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.
Fraser
J F
JF
Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane, Queensland. j.fraser@uq.edu.au Australia.
Mullany
D
D
Natani
S
S
Chinthamuneedi
M
M
Hovarth
R
R
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