Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis on a normal heart valve

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Fungal endocarditis is rare, particularly in patients without predisposing risk factors.
• Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections.

Observation:

• An elderly male patient presented with endophthalmitis.
• The patient had no history of systemic or valvular disease.

Findings:

• Infection of the mitral valve with Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed.
• Fungal vegetations on the mitral valve were visualized using two-dimensional echocardiography.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in endophthalmitis, even without typical risk factors.
• Echocardiography is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting fungal endocarditis.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing invasive fungal infections.