Sternectomy for Candida albicans sternal osteomyelitis after left ventricular assist device implantation

AbstractFungal osteomyelitis is an uncommon complication after cardiac surgery and associated with high mortality. A case ofCandida albicans andStaphylococcus epidermidis osteomyelitis with device infection after implantation of a left ventricular assist device in a 60-year-old male patient is presented here. After clinical identification and confirmation with microbiological examinations and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan, debridement was performed. Surgical specimens grewC. albicans andS. epidermidis. Fluconazole, daptomycin, and negative pressure wound therapy were initiated, but failed to achieve healing. Total sternectomy and pectoralis flap reconstruction were performed. There was no recurrent infection forC. albicans on a prolonged antifungal regime. The combination of antifungal therapy and aggressive surgical debridement may be useful to control fungal osteomyelitis.
Source: Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research