Fatal Histoplasma capsulatum mitral endocarditis in a French patient treated for rheumatoid arthritis

Mycopathologia. 2012 Mar;173(2-3):183-6. doi: 10.1007/s11046-011-9489-4. Epub 2011 Oct 30.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum spores, a fungus encountered in many diverse areas around the world. Although this infection is often asymptomatic, it may become dramatic in immunocompromised patients. In November 2005, an endocarditis due to Histoplasma capsulatum was diagnosed in a French woman treated for rheumatoid arthritis and who had traveled to South America 2 years earlier. We confirmed the biological diagnosis by mycological, serological, and histological methods. In spite of receiving the appropriate treatment, the patient died 3 months later of cardiac insufficiency. We report here this additional case of Histoplasma endocarditis, by hoping to help rapid and accurate diagnosis of such infections in their early stages of development, in non-endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Endocarditis / etiology
  • Endocarditis / microbiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • France
  • Histoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Histoplasmosis / etiology
  • Histoplasmosis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Travel

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents