Aspergillus prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated by intracranial haemorrhage.
Alessandro Affronti, Francesco Loreni, Federico Fortuni et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 73-year-old male presented with early prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis 45 days post valve replacement, complicated by intracranial hemorrhage. Transesophageal echocardiography showed bulky vegetations and an annular abscess. He underwent urgent surgical valve replacement and antifungal therapy was initiated after confirming Aspergillus terreus. Despite intervention, he developed acute hydrocephalus and recurrent vegetations, leading to death on postoperative day 57.
What made this case unusual
The case is notable for the combination of early fungal prosthetic endocarditis and severe intracranial hemorrhage, which complicated management and contributed to a poor outcome.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider fungal infections like Aspergillus in cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis, especially when neurological complications arise.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex infections and the high mortality associated with Aspergillus infections.