Aspergillus flavus endocarditis--to prevaricate is to posture.
Fungal endocarditis represents both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the treating team. The critical care physician will see a rising incidence as older and more immuno-compromised patients are being supported in their intensive care units. Aspergillus sp. endocarditis represents less than 25% of all cases of fungal endocarditis and is associated with a mortality of around 80%. Early diagnosis may assist with definitive management. We review a case of Aspergillus endocarditis, and review the literature as to optimal methods of detection, imaging modalities of choice, and management, both surgical and medical.
Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane, Queensland. j.fraser@uq.edu.au Australia.
J F
JF
Fraser
D
D
Mullany
S
S
Natani
M
M
Chinthamuneedi
R
R
Hovarth
D001228:Aspergillosis; D001231:Aspergillus flavus; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography