Catheter-Related Candida Endocarditis on the Right Atrial Septum - A Case Report

Cureus. 2018 Feb 5;10(2):e2158. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2158.

Abstract

The use of subcutaneous catheter devices has increased over the past two decades along with its associated infections. One of the complications is infective endocarditis (IE), which usually occurs on the valves of the heart. However, IE can rarely occur on the atrial septal wall. The most common pathogens associated with catheter-related IE are staphylococcus bacteria, and it is rarely caused by fungi. We present a case of a 75-year-old Caucasian female with infective endocarditis located on the right side of the atrial septum, caused by Candida albicans due to the use of a subcutaneous catheter port. We will discuss the diagnostic criteria and treatment plan for this patient and other treatment options available for these cases. To our knowledge, a similar case was reported in Brazil, but this is the first reported case in the United States of catheter-related infective endocarditis of the right atrial septal wall due to Candida albicans.

Keywords: atrial septum; candida albicans; catheter related infection; infective endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports