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Pacemaker endocarditis due to Candida albicans: case report and review
V Joly1, N Belmatoug, A Leperre
1Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Summary
This study presents a rare case of pacemaker endocarditis caused by Candida albicans, successfully treated with surgery and antifungal medication. It reviews existing literature on this fungal infection affecting pacemakers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pacemaker endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices.
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe infections, including endocarditis.
Observation:
- A patient with pacemaker endocarditis caused by Candida albicans demonstrated a positive response to combined surgical intervention and antifungal treatment.
- This case represents a significant addition to the limited reported instances of candidal pacemaker endocarditis.
Findings:
- The review of five previously reported cases highlights the clinical presentation of candidal pacemaker endocarditis.
- Comparison with candidal prosthetic valve endocarditis provides insights into disease characteristics and management strategies.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal etiologies in pacemaker-related infections.
- Effective management may involve a multidisciplinary approach combining surgical removal of the infected device and systemic antifungal therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal treatment protocols for this rare condition.