Echocardiographic detection of fungal vegetations in Candida parasilopsis endocarditis.

A case of primary Candida parasilopsis endocarditis in a heroin addict involving the aortic valve is presented. Abnormal echoes in the aortic root during diastole and in the aortic valve during systole and diastole produced by fungal vegetations were found. The demonstration of fungal vegetations by echocardiography in the absence of positive blood cultures and systemic embolization is a useful diagnostic tool which should be utilized when fungal endocarditis is suspected.