An Unusual Case of Candida albicans Empyema in Patient With Gastric Cancer and Colon Metastasis

Abstract

Candida empyema is a rare presentation seen in immunocompromised patients, with a high mortality rate if not treated appropriately. We present a rare case of Candida albicans empyema in a patient with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy who recently underwent cholecystectomy, successfully treated with fluconazole and drainage. This case not only highlights an unusual presentation of a common pathogen but stresses the fact that when patients with malignancy, present with pleural effusion, candida should be in the differential. Early detection is key in such cases, as outcomes are poor if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Keywords: candida albicans empyema; candida empyema; fluconazole; immunocompromised hosts; pleural effusion.

Figure 1. Serial chest X-ray and chest computer tomography obtained over the hospital course from left to right - Image from the day of admission (on left) showed no effusion, next image from the time patient was diagnosed with Candida empyema demonstrated the new onset of large left pleural effusion and the last images on right from post-treatment demonstrated interval resolution of empyema