Infective Endocarditis due to Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion of the Left Atrium: A Case Report

Direct invasion of the left atrium by esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is rare, and infective endocarditis arising from tumor surfaces within the cardiac chamber is exceptionally uncommon, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. In this case, surgery was performed to prevent further embolic events and remove the infected tumor mass. Although the direct source of the infection was surgically removed, infection control remained difficult, likely due to persistent infection under immunosuppressive conditions and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This case highlights the challenges of managing infective endocarditis in patients with cancer and suggests that early surgical intervention may help reduce embolic risk, even when complete infection control cannot be achieved.