Macrophage activation syndrome triggered by Candida parapsilosis-related cochlear implant infection

Cochlear implant-related infections may rarely lead to life-threatening systemic complications. Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a severe and potentially fatal hyperinflammatory condition. MAS associated with CI infection has not been previously reported in pediatric patients....

Clinicians managing cochlear implant infections should be aware that Candida parapsilosis can trigger Macrophage Activation Syndrome — a rare but life-threatening immune complication requiring prompt recognition and specialist involvement.

This case expands the known spectrum of serious cochlear implant infection complications and highlights the importance of fungal pathogens and rare immune syndromes in implant management protocols.

1. 01Rare case of Macrophage Activation Syndrome (dangerous immune overactivation) linked to a cochlear implant fungal infection.
2. 02Causative organism was Candida parapsilosis, an uncommon but emerging fungal pathogen.
3. 03Published in European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (PMID 42402499).
4. 04Macrophage Activation Syndrome is life-threatening and requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
5. 05Underscores the need to consider fungal pathogens and rare immune complications in post-implant infections.

PMID

42402499

DOI

10.1007/s00405-026-10374-x.

Journal

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Publication type

case_report

Evidence level

4

Sample size

1

Population

Single patient with a cochlear implant who developed Macrophage Activation Syndrome following Candida parapsilosis infection

Intervention

Cochlear implant (complicated by Candida parapsilosis infection)