Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Aspergillus prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated by intracranial haemorrhage
Alessandro Affronti1, Francesco Loreni1, Federico Fortuni2
1Cardiac Surgery Department, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
A 73-year-old male developed early prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis complicated by haemorrhagic cerebral lesions 45 days after tissue valve replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed bulky vegetations and an annular abscess. Urgent surgical valve replacement with extensive debridement was performed, while broad-spectrum antifungal therapy was initiated. Aspergillus terreus was subsequently confirmed. Postoperatively, the patient experienced acute hydrocephalus, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and recurrent vegetations, ultimately precluding further surgery. He died on postoperative day 57. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of early fungal prosthetic endocarditis with intracranial haemorrhage, emphasizing individualized management by multidisciplinary teams and the high mortality associated with Aspergillus infections.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis