Fungal Endocarditis Complicating Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Since Koelle and Pastor¹ in 1956 reported the first case of mycotic endocarditis following cardiac surgery, 12 additional cases have appeared in the literature. The limited number of cases suggests that this complication is unusual; nevertheless, the existence of this entity should always be kept in mind. The purpose of this paper is to report the first case due to Candida stellatoidea. However, Candida albicans appears to be the most frequent agent responsible for mycotic endocarditis. Report of a Case First Admission. —This 48-year-old white man was first admitted to the Bridgeport Hospital on May 29, 1961, with the chief complaint of fatigue, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, and chest pain of four months' duration. There was a history of frequent episodes of severe tonsillitis in childhood. At 21 he was rejected by the Army because of "heart disease." He has had exercise intolerance for the past two years