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Fungal purulent constrictive pericarditis in a heart transplant patient
C C Canver1, A K Patel, P Kosolcharoen
1Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison 53792, USA. cccanver@facstaff.wisc.edu
Abstract:
Purulent pericarditis caused by Candida species is rare and is associated with very high mortality. Immunosuppressed transplant patients are particularly susceptible to fungal infections. We report a case of Candida purulent constrictive pericarditis in an immunocompromised heart transplant patient who was treated successfully with antifungal agents, surgical drainage, and pericardiectomy.
Insights
Candida purulent pericarditis is a rare, fatal infection, especially in transplant patients. Successful treatment involved antifungals, surgical drainage, and pericardiectomy in an immunocompromised heart transplant recipient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis caused by Candida species is a rare but often fatal condition.
- Immunosuppressed patients, particularly organ transplant recipients, are at increased risk for invasive fungal infections.
Observation:
- A case of a heart transplant patient with purulent constrictive pericarditis caused by Candida species is presented.
- The patient was immunocompromised, increasing their susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Findings:
- Successful treatment was achieved using a combination of antifungal agents, surgical drainage, and pericardiectomy.
- This multimodal approach addressed both the infection and the resulting cardiac constriction.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering fungal etiologies in pericarditis among immunocompromised hosts.
- Effective management requires a comprehensive strategy involving medical and surgical interventions.
- Successful outcomes are possible even in severe cases with prompt and aggressive treatment.