Cardiac involvement in coccidioidomycosis

Comparative Aspects of Coccidioidomycosis in Animals and Humans

“…39 By comparison, a search of the human literature revealed only 15 reported cases of coccidioidal pericarditis. [40][41][42][43][44][45] Involvement of the pericardium was also noted in a horse at necropsy, 5 a llama, 11 and in 5/15 cats in a necropsy series (personal communication, Dr. S. Dial).…”

“…A retrospective study was also published recently in which 17 dogs underwent subtotal pericardiectomy for pericardial/epicardial coccidioidomycosis in a period of 4 years at one surgical referral center in the endemic region (Phoenix, AZ) 39 . By comparison, a search of the human literature revealed only 15 reported cases of coccidioidal pericarditis 40–45 . Involvement of the pericardium was also noted in a horse at necropsy, 5 a llama, 11 and in 5/15 cats in a necropsy series (personal communication, Dr. S. Dial).…”

Coccidioidal pericarditis: a case presentation and review of the literature

“…10,11,14 Clinical pericardial involvement is detailed in only 17 patients. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]12,13 The presentation can be acute, progress rapidly to effusive-constrictive physiology or the presentation can be that of a chronic constrictive process. 5,6 Relapsing pericarditis is seen in some patients.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]12,13 One additional case of coccidioidal pericarditis seen by the authors is added to bring the total to 17 patients. Two autopsy series 10,11 with 25 cases of coccidioidal pericarditis that did not include any relevant details were also reviewed, however these studies were not incorporated in this review.…”

Endocarditis Caused by Coccidioides Species

“…Coccidioides species, dimorphic fungi endemic to the southwestern United States, generally cause a self-limited pulmonary infection, but extrapulmonary disease may result infrequently. Coccidioidal infection of the heart is encountered rarely, although published reports have described pericarditis, [12][13][14][15][16] myocarditis, and myocardial abscesses. [12][13][14][17][18][19] Valvular involvement has not been well described.…”