Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Italy; Corresponding author at: Università degli Studi di Torino, AOU Città della Scienza e della Salute, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Torino, Italy.
F. Atzeni
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Italy
M.W. La Torre
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Italy
M. Attisani
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Italy
S. Belloro
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases, Italy
F.G. De Rosa
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases, Italy
M. Rinaldi
Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Italy
Fungal endocarditis/aortitis is an uncommon yet emerging entity accounting for 2% to 4% of all cases of infective endocarditis and continues to be associated with a poor prognosis. We present the first case of polyethylene-terephthalate (PETE) graft aortitis caused by A. niger, a rare fungal agent. Early diagnosis with frequent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and a prompt surgical intervention coupled with optimal antifungal therapy are still the only option to reduce the exceedingly high mortality and morbidity.