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A case of rare, fungal peritonitis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum in a patient on CAPD

Abstract

Background. A 62-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease secondary to hypertension who was on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), presented to a peritoneal dialysis clinic with subacute onset of abdominal pain, mainly in the epigastric region.

Investigations. Full medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, cultures of peritoneal dialysis fluid, radiography, ultrasonography and CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis.

Diagnosis. Isolated fungal peritonitis caused by infection with Histoplasma capsulatum.

Management. Removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter, treatment with itraconazole for 6 months.

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Figure 1: Suspected infectious peritonitis in a 62-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
Figure 2: Cultured peritoneal dialysate showing Histoplasma capsulatum.

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Acknowledgements

Charles P. Vega, University of California, Irvine, CA, is the author of and is solely responsible for the content of the learning objectives, questions and answers of the MedscapeCME-accredited continuing medical education activity associated with this article.

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Correspondence to Devasmita Choudhury.

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Ijaz, A., Choudhury, D. A case of rare, fungal peritonitis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum in a patient on CAPD. Nat Rev Nephrol 6, 435–439 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2010.70

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