Thoracic Aortic Graft Infection due to Candida Albicans with Multiple Embolism in the Left-side Vessels of the Body

Intern Med. 2017;56(9):1107-1111. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.7052. Epub 2017 May 1.

Abstract

A 79-year-old Japanese man who had undergone thoracic aortic replacement 10 years prior presented with a 3-day history of sore throat. He was initially diagnosed with pharyngitis; however, multiple emboli in the vessels of the left side of the body were recognized. He was diagnosed with thoracic aortic graft infection caused by Candida albicans, with multiple embolisms. Anti-fungal therapy was initiated, but surgical removal of the graft was not performed because of the high risk associated with the operation, and he eventually died. Inappropriate use of antibiotics might have led to a severe fungal infection. As such, the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents should be avoided.

Keywords: Candida albicans; multiple embolism; prosthetic vascular graft infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aorta, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Asian People
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis / etiology*
  • Embolism / diagnosis
  • Embolism / therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / microbiology*
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Vascular Diseases / surgery*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents