Fungal infection of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: Case series of five patients managed over 22 years

Candida endocarditis associated with cardiac rhythm management devices: review with current treatment guidelines

“…ICD-related Candida endocarditis is also poorly characterised in the literature with only a few well-described cases published since 2001. 10,22,23 Our current report, that includes only well-documented cases, serves not only to broaden our understanding of CRMD-associated Candida endocarditis but also to update practitioners concerning recent guidelines relating to the management of this challenging clinical entity. Interestingly, all 15 patients listed in Table 1 were men, four were diabetic, use of CRMD prior to infection varied from <1 month to 16 years with most developing as late onset infections, and although C. albicans was the most common Candida species recovered, other species were found in half the cases.…”

“…[12] published a review of PPM‐related Candida endocarditis; all culture‐positive cases involved C. albicans , adequate clinical information was available for only four of the six cases and it was difficult to derive any meaningful conclusions from the data provided. ICD‐related Candida endocarditis is also poorly characterised in the literature with only a few well‐described cases published since 2001 10,22,23 …”

“…When rhythm device infections do occur, pocket infections are more commonly documented than endocarditis, 7 the microbiology usually involves staphylococci (coagulase‐negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus ) 5,8 and management includes both device explantation and appropriate antimicrobial therapy 7 . CRMD‐associated endocarditis accounts for about 10% of all device‐related infection cases, 2 and is a life‐threatening complication 9 ; several authors have noted the rarity of fungal organisms involved in such infections 2,10–14 . There are sporadic case reports that address the problem of CRMD endocarditis caused by Candida species and a single review, published in 1997 12 included only four well‐defined cases and it pre‐dated the availability of certain newer anti‐fungal agents.…”

“…7 CRMD-associated endocarditis accounts for about 10% of all device-related infection cases, 2 and is a life-threatening complication 9 ; several authors have noted the rarity of fungal organisms involved in such infections. 2,[10][11][12][13][14] There are sporadic case reports that address the problem of CRMD endocarditis caused by Candida species and a single review, published in 1997 12 included only four well-defined cases and it pre-dated the availability of certain newer anti-fungal agents. In view of the paucity of information regarding this rare but significant clinical entity and in recognition of updated CRMD infection and Candida infection guidelines, we now offer an additional case report as well as a comprehensive review with current management recommendations.…”

Vulvovaginal Colonization by Aspergillus Species in Nonimmunocompromised Women

“…In fact, most Aspergillus species infections are pulmonary, cardiac, orthopedic, and ophthalmic. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Immunosuppression is an important contributing factor to such infections. [12][13][14] There are several cases reported in the literature.…”