Fungal endocarditis in a premature infant complicated by a right atrial mycetoma and inferior vena cava thrombosis

Abstract

The incidence of fungal endocarditis in premature infants is on the rise, reported in the last decade secondary to use of central venous lines, the frequent use of broad spectrum antibiotics and neonatal surgical interventions. Central line related thrombosis is a significant risk factor for persistent fungemia and end organ complications including endocarditis. This article presents a fatal case of progressive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and right atrial mycetoma in a premature infant with candidemia who underwent ileostomy for bowel perforation. Renal failure occurred secondary to inferior vena cava thrombosis and right atrial mycetoma, both of which had a potential for hemodynamic compromise and embolism.