CANDIDAL endocarditis, previously rare, is increasing in frequency.1-7 This is due to the increase in certain factors that alter the susceptibility of the host to candidal infections—namely prolonged antibiotic and steroid therapy—and to factors that provide a portal of entry, such as cardiac surgery and prolonged intravenous therapy, particularly with indwelling plastic catheters. In their review in 1958, Merchant et al.8 recorded but 11 cases. Since then, 14 new cases have been reported.
Report of a Case
A 47-year-old male, a heroin addict, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 27, 1959, because of shortness of breath of 2 weeks' duration. Mitral stenosis had been diagnosed in 1952, and a mitral valvulotomy was done in 1953. Since then he had been on oral penicillin and digitalis. Physical examination showed a well-developed, well-nourished adult, without dyspnea when lying flat. Blood pressure level was 130/70 mm. Hg; pulse, 80;