Native valve fungal endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus: management dilemma

• Published in: Oxford Medical Case Reports Vol. 2020; no. 3; p. omz147
• Main Authors: Aldosari, Mohammed A, Alghamdi, Mohammed H, Alhamdan, Abdulrahman A, Alamri, Mohammed M, Ahmed, Amjad M, Aziz, Mohamed S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.03.2020
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2053-8855; 2053-8855
• DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omz147

ABSTRACT Fungal endocarditis (FE) accounts for ~50% of the mortality rate associated with predisposing host conditions. Despite optimal therapeutic strategies, the survival rate remains low. FE is mostly caused by Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Previous valvular surgery is the most essential risk factor for Aspergillus endocarditis, which observed in 40–50% of cases. However, native valve FE caused by Aspergillus is uncommon, with only a few reported cases. We hereby report a case of native valve FE caused by A. fumigatus with complications following Wegener’s disease and prostate cancer. The patient survived after successful management with the combination of surgical and medical therapy. Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare and fatal fungal infection. Despite difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, medical intervention with antifungal therapy and immediate surgical intervention are essential to achieve desirable outcomes.