CRYPTOCOCCAL INFECTION OF A PROSTHETIC DIALYSIS FISTULA

Fungal infections of prosthetic dialysis fistulae are rare. We report the first case of infection of a polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis acce ss graft with the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Therapy with antifung al agents alone failed to cure the infection and significant improveme nt was observed only when all prosthetic material was surgically remov ed. This case emphasizes the potential for fungal infection of prosthe tic dialysis fistulae and the importance of removal of intravascular f oreign material in conjunction with antifungal therapy for treatment o f fungal prosthetic graft infections. (C) 1994 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.