Diagnostic Challenges in Native Valve Fungal Endocarditis Producing a Massive Septic Pulmonary Embolus

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of Candida albicans endocarditis can be difficult. We report a case of this rare condition in which a patient on oral fluconazole presented with septic pulmonary emboli without initial echocardiographic evidence of vegetation. Rapid attainment of a tissue diagnosis, along with combined medical surgical treatment proved to be effective for this patient.