title: Acute Cardiac Failure due to Intra-Atrial Mass Caused by Zygomycetes in an Immunocompromised Paediatric Patient.
abstract: Cardiac zygomycosis can be a critical condition with sudden onset of severe congestive heart failure followed by severe hemodynamic deterioration. We report a fatal course of disseminated fungal infection with a massive intra-atrial thrombosis caused by a zygomycete, in a five year old boy treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In addition, we discuss the literature concerning infections caused by zygomycetes involving the heart. Prognosis is poor. A high index of suspicion and an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach with the prompt start of preemptive antifungal therapy are key factors to improve outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: van de Glind
authors.forename: C E M
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Gidding
authors.forename: C M W
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Verlaat
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Duthoi
authors.forename: A P C
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Backx
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Verweij
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Warris