A case report of infant with gastric perforation caused by Candida albicans infection

RATIONALE: Spontaneous gastric perforation in young children is rare, and gastric perforation caused by Candida albicans infection is even rarer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 4-month-old infant presented with frequent retching. The results of X-rays showed obvious pneumoperitoneum but gastric vacuole was not seen. DIAGNOSIS: The infant was diagnosed as spontaneous gastric perforation caused by C albicans infection based on blood culture, peritoneal fluid culture, and postoperative histopathology. INTERVENTIONS: An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed and a gastric perforation repair was done. The infant received antishock, antiinfection, and intravenous nutrition treatment. OUTCOMES: After operation and antiinfective symptomatic treatment, the infant recovered. LESSONS: This case emphasized the rare C albicans infection as a cause of the gastric perforation in infant. The C albicans infection should always be thought of as an etiology for the gastric perforation in infant, to reduce the significant mortality. The early detection is necessary to treat Candida infections.