Echocardiographic features of Candida species endocarditis: 12 cases and a review of published reports.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the specific echocardiographic features of Candida species endocarditis.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the case records of patients with confirmed candida endocarditis.


METHODS
Cases referred to three French university centres over an eight year period were studied.


METHODS
12 patients with confirmed Candida species endocarditis infection were identified. The transthoracic (n = 12) and transoesophageal (n = 12) echocardiographic appearances were compared with the surgical findings (n = 10).


RESULTS
Large dense heterogeneous vegetations were found in 11/12 cases. A hyperechogenic heterogeneous myocardial texture, observed in seven of the 12 patients, was associated with extensive myocardial damage at surgery. While it was possible to diagnose candidal cardiac infection in all patients by transthoracic echocardiography, transoesophageal echocardiography was useful for optimal assessment of the valvar and paravalvar structures.


CONCLUSIONS
In the setting of endocarditis, the detection of myocardial involvement, which is characterised by a heterogeneous myocardial texture, is an argument in favour of Candida species endocarditis and may warrant early surgical intervention.
Donal
E
E
Département de Cardiologie, CHU La Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers cedex 01, France.
Abgueguen
P
P
Coisne
D
D
Gouello
J P
JP
McFadden
E P
EP
Allal
J
J
Corbi
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies