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Recurrent Trichosporon beigelii endocarditis after aortic valve replacement
A Miralles1, J Quiroga, T Farinola
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital Princeps D'Espanya, Barcelona, Spain.
Cardiovascular Surgery (London, England)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
This case report details a rare fungal endocarditis caused by Trichosporon beigelii in a bioprosthetic heart valve. Despite treatment, the infection led to severe complications and patient death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Bioprosthetic heart valve endocarditis is a serious complication.
- Rheumatic heart disease necessitates aortic valve replacement.
- Fungal endocarditis is uncommon, especially in immunocompetent patients.
Observation:
- A patient developed endocarditis 7 years post-aortic valve replacement.
- Infection manifested as popliteal artery embolization.
- Trichosporon beigelii was identified as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Recurrent infections necessitated two further valve replacements over 4 years.
- Prolonged antifungal therapy proved ineffective.
- The patient succumbed to multiorgan septic involvement.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for late-onset fungal endocarditis in bioprosthetic valves.
- Underscores the challenges in treating Trichosporon beigelii infections.
- Emphasizes the critical need for vigilance in managing prosthetic valve infections.