amphotericin-b and Aortic-Diseases

Valvular endocarditis caused by Aspergillus is a lethal disease. Only two survivors, both with infections of prosthetic valves, have been reported in the world literature. This report describes a patient with an Aspergillus valvular endocarditis on a native valve with embolization to the right axillary, left iliac, and left popliteal arteries and the distal aorta. Diagnosis was made from a thromboembolectomy specimen. Treatment consisted of removal of the peripheral arterial emboli, mitral valve replacement, and prolonged intravenous infusion of high-dose amphotericin B. The patient presently has the longest survival period of any patient with an Aspergillus infection on a native heart valve. The importance of early diagnosis and aggressive operative management by the vascular surgeon needed to properly treat these patients is emphasized.

Topics: Adult; Amphotericin B; Aortic Diseases; Aspergillosis; Axillary Artery; Embolism; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Iliac Artery; Mitral Valve; Popliteal Artery

Topics: Adult; Amphotericin B; Angiography; Aortic Diseases; Aortic Valve; Aspergillosis; Embolism; Humans; Male; Popliteal Artery; Postoperative Complications

Topics: Adult; Amphotericin B; Aneurysm, Infected; Aorta; Aortic Diseases; Aortic Valve; Aspergillosis; Embolism; Endocarditis; Endocardium; Heart Aneurysm; Humans; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Tricuspid Valve