Fungal infection in a dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta

D A Cooley1, C M Burnett

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston 77225-0345.

Insights

A Candida albicans infection compromised a patient's aortic graft and valve, leading to a dissecting aneurysm. Surgical repair and high-dose liposomal amphotericin B were administered, with lifelong antifungal therapy recommended for similar cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Prosthetic aortic grafts and valves are susceptible to microbial infections.
  • Candida albicans poses a significant risk for prosthetic cardiovascular device infections.
  • Aortic graft infection can lead to severe complications like pseudoaneurysms.

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