Abstract

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is the principal human fungal opportunistic organism commonly detected in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Five species of candida (Glabrata, Tropicalis, Albicans, Parapsilosis, and Kruzei) are responsible for most cases of invasive candidiasis or candidemia, which is a growing public health concern due to the increasing complexity of patients, leading to a high fatality rate.

CASE REPORT: We report an extremely rare case of candida pericarditis due to esophagopericardial fistula in a young, heavy, alcoholic adult diagnosed by culture of the drained pericardial fluid, which showed a growth of Candida albicans.

CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the first case of candida pericarditis in immunocompetent adult successfully treated by pericardiocentesis and oral fluconazole.

Keywords: Candida, Gastric Fistula, Pericarditis, Antifungal Agents, Candida albicans, candidemia, Chest Pain, Esophageal Fistula, fluconazole, Immunocompromised Host, Pericardiocentesis