Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

A Contemporary Warming/Restraining Device for Efficient Tail Vein Injections in a Murine Fungal Sepsis Model
Published on: November 6, 2020
Candidal suppurative peripheral thrombophlebitis
Abstract:
Transient candidemia is common with prolonged intravenous therapy. Sustained candidemia, however, usually indicates a persistent focus of infection. A complication of intravenous therapy not previously emphasized is persistent candidemia caused by candidal suppurative peripheral thrombophlebitis. We report six cases that appeared during intravenous therapy: the infection was characterized by a thrombosed peripheral vein at an intravenous site with manifestations for candida septicemia with or without disseminated candidiasis. In two patients, the source of the process was occult; the examination showed only a thrombosed noninflamed vein. In all cases, surgical exploration showed the thrombosed veins to be suppurative with positive cultures for Candida. Special stains, moreover, showed Candida in the luminal clot and the vascular wall. In the five surviving patients, cure was achieved by excision of the affected vein. Four received a short course of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine, and one patient received amphotericin B only.
Insights
Persistent candidemia from suppurative peripheral thrombophlebitis is a serious complication of intravenous therapy. Surgical vein excision and antifungal treatment effectively cured five patients with this rare Candida infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Transient candidemia is frequent during prolonged intravenous therapy.
- Sustained candidemia often signifies a persistent infection source.
- Candidal suppurative peripheral thrombophlebitis is an underrecognized complication of intravenous therapy.
Observation:
- Six cases of candidemia associated with thrombosed peripheral veins at intravenous sites were identified.
- Infections presented as Candida septicemia, with or without disseminated candidiasis.
- Surgical exploration revealed suppurative thrombosed veins with positive Candida cultures.
Findings:
- Candida was detected in the luminal clot and vascular wall via special stains.
- Five of six patients achieved cure through surgical excision of the affected vein.
- Antifungal therapy, including amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine, was administered to some survivors.
Implications:
- Highlights candidal suppurative peripheral thrombophlebitis as a distinct clinical entity.
- Emphasizes the importance of surgical intervention for managing this complication.
- Suggests a combined approach of surgery and antifungal agents for optimal patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Candidiasis

