Infection of a pancreatic pseudocyst due to Candida albicans

Abstract

A 40-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, alcoholic cirrhosis, and chronic pancreatitis had an exacerbation of pancreatitis due to alcohol abuse. His condition deteriorated rapidly with development of apparent sepsis; cultures were negative. He slowly improved with multiple antibiotic therapy and total parenteral nutrition. Serial imaging of the pancreas revealed edematous pancreatitis that evolved initially into a phlegmon and later into multiple pseudocysts. Intermittent fever prompted computed-tomography-directed percutaneous aspiration of the largest pancreatic fluid collection, yielding purulent material that grew only Candida albicans. Subsequently, disseminated candidiasis developed. Despite therapy with amphotericin B and aggressive supportive care, the patient died from multiple organ system failure.