On a fatal case of Candida krusei pleural empyema in a pregnant woman with spontaneous esophagus perforation

Mycopathologia. 2010 Jun;169(6):451-5. doi: 10.1007/s11046-010-9277-6. Epub 2010 Feb 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Candida empyema thoracis can be a consequence of operation, gastropleural fistula, and esophageal perforation. Case report and review of the literature. A fatal case of a 45-year-old pregnant woman with Candida krusei empyema thoracis secondary to spontaneous esophagus perforation associated with candida esophagitis is reported. The case is contextualized among similar cases found through a PubMed search.

Conclusions: A suspect of esophagus rupture should arise in the presence of a fungal empyema. Candida esophagitis should be always considered as a possible cause or con-cause of esophagus rupture. An empirical systemic antimycotic therapy should always be considered in an ideal multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with esophagus rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Candida* / classification
  • Candida* / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / complications*
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Empyema, Pleural / complications*
  • Empyema, Pleural / microbiology
  • Esophageal Perforation* / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Perforation* / etiology
  • Esophageal Perforation* / surgery
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Diseases / complications
  • Pleural Diseases / microbiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / microbiology*