Fungal endocarditis after cardiac valve replacement

Fungal endocarditis developed in 15 cases out of 205 in whom cardiac valves were replaced during the years 1969-75. Bacterial and fungal infections co-existed in 3 cases. Pure bacterial endo­carditis was seen only in one case during this period. Fungal endo­carditis was not observed following any other type of open or closed heart surgery. Clinicopathologic features of these cases are briefly described. Paucity of clinical signs and symptoms make early diagnosis difficult. The diagnosis of fungal infection was essentially histological. It was corroborated by culture in 3 cases. In 6 cases candida was responsible while in others either Aspergillus or Penicillium was responsible. In 11 out of 15 cases, endocarditis supervened in the early post-operative period stressing the need for vigilance.