Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Oral Candida Diagnosis to Advance Clinical Treatment Regimen for pSS Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Dizziness Found to Be Candida Parapsilosis Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
David F Painter1, Melissa M Jones1, Antoun Kamel1
1Department of Internal Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
Abstract:
Candida parapsilosis is an opportunistic pathogen with a propensity for biofilm formation and adhesion to medical devices. Although rare, fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a feared complication of disseminated candidemia or direct intraoperative contamination from fungal adherence to prosthetic valves. C. parapsilosis is one of the most common species underlying fungal endocarditis. We present a 78-year-old male patient 2 months after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with persistent dizziness and a cerebellar stroke found to be secondary to treatment-resistant disseminated candidemia and fungal PVE. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of source identification in fungal endocarditis and reinforces the importance of considering prosthetic valve involvement early in the evaluation of persistent fungemia. Optimal management of C. parapsilosis endocarditis requires prolonged antifungal therapy as well as definitive source control.
Insights
Candida parapsilosis can cause serious prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) after procedures. Early diagnosis and combined antifungal therapy with source control are crucial for managing this rare but severe fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida parapsilosis is an opportunistic pathogen known for biofilm formation and medical device adhesion.
- Fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare but serious complication of candidemia or direct contamination.
- C. parapsilosis is a frequent cause of fungal endocarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of disseminated candidemia and fungal PVE in a patient post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges in identifying the source of fungal endocarditis.
- To emphasize the importance of early prosthetic valve evaluation in persistent fungemia.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 78-year-old male patient.
- Clinical presentation: persistent dizziness and cerebellar stroke 2 months post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
- Diagnosis: treatment-resistant disseminated candidemia and fungal PVE.
Main Results:
- The patient's stroke and fungemia were secondary to fungal PVE.
- The case illustrates difficulties in diagnosing the source of fungal endocarditis.
- Persistent fungemia necessitates early consideration of prosthetic valve involvement.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of C. parapsilosis endocarditis involves prolonged antifungal therapy.
- Definitive source control is essential for successful treatment.
- Early recognition and management are critical for improving patient outcomes in fungal PVE.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Equilibrium and Balance
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis III: Medical Management

