Candida species can rarely infect the pleural space and cause an empyema. This is a serious infection that can be fatal, especially if appropriate therapy is delayed.
Oral or esophageal candidiasis associated with immunosuppression may increase the risk.
Underlying cause:
(1) rupture of the esophagus (spontaneous, carcinoma, perforating ulcer, foreign body, trauma, etc)
(2) gastropleural fistula
(3) enteropleural fistula
Candida species that have been isolated include:
(1) Candida albicans
(2) Candida krusei
(3) Candida glabrata
(4) Candida tropicalis
Clinical features:
(1) evidence of a pleural effusion
(2) drainage shows an empyema
(3) microscopic or cultural identification of a Candida species
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