Candida funisitis: A clinicopathologic study of 32 cases

We report on 32 cases of Candida funisitis and describe the associated clinicopathologic features. The Candida funisitis was characterized grossly by small, circumscribed, yellow-white nodules on the umbilical cord surface and, microscopically, by subamnionic microabscesses in which fungal organisms were demonstrable. Chorioamnionitis was present in all cases. Twenty-four (75%) of the 32 infants were premature. There were 7 perinatal deaths, all in immature fetuses. Five (16%) of the 32 fetuses had congenital candidiasis. Five (16%) of the mothers had a history of intrauterine foreign body, including intrauterine contraceptive device in three and cervical cerclage in two. The diagnosis of Candida funisitis should prompt a careful examination for fetal infection, even though it is associated with congenital candidiasis in only a minority of the cases.