Pathological Studies in Experimental Candida Endocarditis

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Abstract
Mycotic endocarditis was produced in rabbits by indwelling intracardiac catheters filled with a C. albicans suspension. Grossly, cardiac lesions consisted of massive fungoid valvular vegetations and/or sleeve thrombi surrounding the catheter. Microscopically, platelet-fibrin aggregates were loosely attached to valvular cusps. With time, the vegetations became organized and more firmly attached against the endocardium. A heavy neutrophilic collar often containing Candida cells which infiltrate valvular cusp subendothelial tissues was observed. Sterile endocardial lesions were produced by retained catheters. The lesions consisted of discrete, glistening, hemispherical nodules in the right heart and similar elevated plaques of the left ventricle mural endocardium. MIcroscopically, these lesions consisted of fibrous connective tissues devoid of inflammatory cells. Left ventricle lesions were more extensive, extending into the myocardium.