# Aspergillus Spondylodiscitis in an Immunocompetent Patient With Recurrent Aspergillus Endocarditis; A Clinical Case Report

## TL;DR

A case report describes a rare instance of Aspergillus endocarditis in an immunocompetent man, successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B.

## Contribution

This case highlights the occurrence of Aspergillus endocarditis in an immunocompetent individual and its successful treatment.

## Key findings

- Aspergillus endocarditis occurred in an immunocompetent patient with multiple brain septic emboli and spondylodiscitis.
- The patient responded successfully to treatment with liposomal amphotericin B.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are critical for reducing mortality in Aspergillus endocarditis cases.

## Abstract

Fungal endocarditis is a very uncommon and deadly illness that causes inflammation in the heart's lining, including the valves. Aspergillus endocarditis is the second most common cause of prosthetic endocarditis, especially the aortic valve, after Candida spp. Aspergillus endocarditis can occur on native and prosthetic valves, even in immunocompetent hosts.

In this article, we describe a case of recurrent aortic-valve Aspergillus endocarditis occurring in a Caucasian man without previously known immunocompromised status with multiple brain septic emboli and spondylodiscitis. The patient was successfully responsive to liposomal amphotericin B.

Early recognition in patients with underlying immunosuppressive conditions and immunocompetent hosts is critical to decreasing the mortality rate. Aspergillosis must be considered in every patient with a prior valve replacement history and culture-negative endocarditis. Surgical debridement and appropriate antifungal agents are required to resolve the problem.