Candidal brain abscess associated with vascular invasion: a devastating complication of vascular catheter-related candidemia

Abstract

We describe a patient who developed Candida albicans brain abscess associated with prominent vascular invasion following an episode of central venous catheter-related fungemia. The increasing population of immunosuppressed patients and the frequent use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, corticosteroids, chemotherapeutics, organ transplantation, and prolonged supportive measures are responsible for an increasing incidence of candidal infections. Brain abscess is a rare complication of candidemia but may be expected to become more common as venous catheter-related fungemia is encountered more frequently.