Unusual course of Candida endocarditis

Fever, anemia, pulmonary infiltrates and weight loss occurred in a 47-year-old man four weeks after a gastric operation. On echocardiography and cardiac catheterization an atrial myxoma was revealed. In removing the myxoma the tricuspid valve apparatus was destroyed, requiring insertion of a bio-prosthetic valve (Hancock). Signs of infection persisted post-operatively, together with complete A-V block and panuveitis. The Candida IGM titer was markedly increased and histological examination of the thrombus revealed massive fungal infection. Recurrent fever and massive vegetation on the prosthetic valve necessitated removal of the prosthetic valve under antimycotic treatment, which also cleared the pulmonary lesions. The patient's general condition improved. Right-heart failure was controllable by drugs.