Absceso de Brodie en la clavícula: una forma poco frecuente de presentación / Brodie abscess in the clavicle: an uncommon presentation

La osteomielitis (OM) se define como la inflamación ósea de origen infeccioso. La forma aguda es frecuente en la edad pediátrica. El absceso de Brodie es un tipo de osteomielitis subaguda, históricamente con baja incidencia, pero que actualmente se presenta un aumento de la misma. De poca repercusión clínica, con pruebas de laboratorio inespecíficas y estudios radiológicos de difícil interpretación, es crucial la sospecha diagnóstica. Se asemeja a procesos neoplásicos, benignos o malignos. Recae en la experiencia del profesional realizar el diagnóstico adecuado. El tratamiento consiste en antibioticoterapia, tanto parenteral como por vía oral, y eventualmente drenaje quirúrgico. Presentamos una paciente sana que consultó por una tumoración en topografía de clavícula izquierda de 3 meses de evolución. Se realizó diagnóstico de absceso de Brodie, inició tratamiento y se obtuvo una buena respuesta. Resulta imprescindible tener un alto índice de sospecha de esta entidad para no someter al paciente a estudios, pruebas invasivas o tratamientos erróneos, y evitar secuelas a futuro.

Osteomyelitis is defined as an inflammation of the bone caused by infection. Acute osteomyelitis is common in pediatrics. A Brodie abscess is a type of subacute osteomyelitis, with a historically low incidence; however, its incidence is currently increasing. Given its little clinical impact, with non-specific laboratory tests and radiological studies of difficult interpretation, diagnostic suspicion is crucial. It resembles neoplasms, either benign or malignant. An adequate diagnosis falls on the health care provider's experience. Treatment consists of antibiotics, both parenteral and oral, with potential surgical drainage. Here we describe the case of a healthy female patient with a tumor found in the topography of the left clavicle 3 months before. She was diagnosed with Brodie abscess; treatment was started with a good response. A high index of suspicion of Brodie abscess is critical to avoid invasive tests and studies or inadequate treatments, and to prevent future sequelae.

Infección por Staphylococcus lugdunensis: descripción de 44 casos / Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection: report of 44 cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: Staphylococcus lugdunensis, es un estafilococo coagulasa negativa (SCN) con características de virulencia y de sensibilidad antimicrobiana que lo hacen más parecido a Staphylococcus aureus que a otros SCN. OBJETIVOS: Conocer las características clínicomicrobiológicas de los aislados de S. lugdunensis identificados en nuestra institución. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los aislados de S. lugdunensis entre los años 2017 y 2019 en el Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Universitario San Jorge de Huesca (España). Se revisaron las historias clínicas correspondientes a los pacientes con aislamiento de S. lugdunensis, considerándose las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, tipo de muestra, servicio de procedencia y enfermedad de base. La identificación bacteriana se realizó con MALDI-TOF VITEK MS (BioMérieux, Francia). Así mismo, se estudió su patrón de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana in vitro mediante microdilución en placa. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 44 aislados de S. lugdunensis: 12 procedían de heridas, 10 fueron abscesos, 8 úlceras, 7 orinas, 4 frotis cutáneos, 2 exudados óticos, y 1 exudado vaginal. En relación con la enfermedad de base destacaron cinco pacientes con procesos tumorales y diez con diabetes mellitus. En 17 pacientes existían antecedentes de cirugía o traumatismo reciente. La mayoría de las cepas fueron sensibles a los antimicrobianos estudiados. En 19 de ellas se observó producción de β-lactamasa, dos fueron resistentes a macrólidos y tres a clindamicina. Todas las cepas fueron sensibles a oxacilina, gentamicina y cotrimoxazol. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque S. lugdunensis mantiene una buena sensibilidad a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos, su tendencia a producir abscesos y que exprese factores de virulencia más parecido a S. aureus que a otros SCN, hace necesaria una correcta identificación en el laboratorio con el fin de que su incidencia no quede subestimada.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) with virulence and antibiotic sensitivity characteristics which makes it more similar to Staphylococcus aureus than other CNS. AIM: To know the microbiological and clinical characteristics of S. lugdunensis isolates identified from our health sector. METHODS: A retrospective study of S. lugdunensis isolates was carried out between 2017 and 2019 in the Microbiology Service of the San Jorge University Hospital in Huesca (Spain). The clinical records of patients with S. lugdunensis isolation were reviewed, considering the following factors: age, sex, sample type, service and underlying disease. Bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF VITEK MS (BioMérieux, France). The pattern of antibiotic susceptibility was studied by means of plate microdilution. RESULTS: 44 isolates of S. lugdunensis were obtained: 12 corresponded to wounds, 10 were abscesses, 8 ulcers, 7 urine samples, 4 skin smears, 2 otic exudates, and 1 vaginal exudate. Regarding the underlying disease, five patients had a tumor processes and ten had diabetes mellitus. In 17 patients there was a history of recent surgery or trauma. Most of the strains were susceptible to the antibiotics studied. Production of beta-lactamase was observed in 19 of them, two were resistant to macrolides and three to clindamycin. None of the isolates were resistant to oxacillin, gentamicin or cotrimoxazole. CONCLUSIONS: Although S. lugdunensis maintains a good sensitivity to most antibiotics, its tendency to produce abscesses and that it expresses virulence factors more similar to S. aureus than to other CNS requires a correct identification in the laboratory so that its incidence is not underestimated.

Melioidosis con endocarditis de válvula protésica / Prosthetic valve endocarditis in melioidosis: case report

Resumen La melioidosis es endémica en varias regiones, con predominio en el Sudeste Asiático, norte de Australia, sur de Asia, China y Taiwán. En Sudamérica, Colombia ocupa el segundo lugar de casos de melioidosis, después de Brasil. Su manifestación clínica es variable, desde una infección asintomática hasta un compromiso multiorgánico con formación de abscesos múltiples y choque séptico. El compromiso cardiaco es inusual, con una incidencia menor del 1%. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 51 años, colombiano, con antecedente de una valvula aórtica mecánica, quien presentó un absceso en la pierna derecha y en la válvula cardiaca protésica, aislándose Burkholderia pseudomallei en hemocultivos y en el cultivo de secreción de la pierna. Fue tratado con meropenem y cotrimoxazol, con una adecuada respuesta clínica, requiriendo un reemplazo valvular aórtico.

Abstract Melioidosis is an endemic disease to several regions and occurs predominantly in Southern Asia, Northern Australia, China and Taiwan. In South America, Colombia is second after Brazil in number of melioidosis cases reported. Clinical manifestation varies from asymptomatic infection to multiorgan compromise involving multiple abscesses and septic shock. Cardiac compromise is infrequent, with an incidence of <1%. We report the case of a 51-year-old patient from Colombia with a mechanical aortic valve who had an abscess in right leg and in the prosthetic valve. Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated in blood cultures and drained pus from the leg cultures. Patient was treated with meropenem and cotrimoxazole and required aortic valve replacement, resulting in adequate improvement in clinical symptoms.

Absceso recurrente de la glándula de Skene en paciente joven: reporte de caso / Recurrent abscess of Skene's gland in a young patient: case report

Las glándulas de Skene se encuentran localizadas en la región lateral de la uretra distal, por lo general son asintomáticas sin embargo en ciertas ocasiones pueden obstruirse creando acumulación de líquido en su interior, el cual provoca síntomas, abscesos o quistes que pueden ser tratados con tratamiento médico o quirúrgico. En este caso se presenta una mujer que consulta en múltiples ocasiones por salida de secreción purulenta de la glándula de skene, ya tratada con esquemas antibióticos en 3 ocasiones, sin embargo al persistir con recurrencia de absceso a pesar de antibioterapia se realiza abordaje quirúrgico para resección de la misma (AU)

Skene's glands are located in the lateral region of the distal urethra, are usually asymptomatic however on certain occasions they can become clogged creating accumulation of fluid inside, which causes symptoms, abscesses or cysts They can be treated with medical or surgical treatment. In this case, a woman is presented who consults in multiple sometimes due to discharge of purulent secretion from the skene's gland, she already treated with antibiotic regimens on 3 occasions, however When abscess recurrence persists despite antibiotic therapy, performs surgical approach for its resection

Abscesos profundos de cuello en pediatría: experiencia del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río entre los años 2011 y 2018 / Pediatric deep neck abscesses: Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital 2011-2018 experience

RESUMEN Introducción: Los abscesos profundos de cuello son colecciones de pus alojadas en los espacios profundos cervicales. En la población pediátrica son poco frecuentes, sin embargo, pueden presentar complicaciones potencialmente mortales. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes que consultan por abscesos profundos del cuello en el Servicio de Urgencia Pediátrico del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Rio. Material y método: Estudio de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo con datos obtenidos de fichas clínicas de pacientes. Se realizó una revisión de fichas clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados con abscesos profundos de cuello en el Servicio de Urgencia Pediátrica del Hospital Sótero del Río entre los años 2011 y 2018. Se analizaron variables clínicas (anamnesis, examen físico, exámenes de laboratorio generales y específicos y su manejo) y demográficas. Los resultados se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva con medidas de tendencia central y rango, utilizando Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Resultados: Se incluyeron 41 pacientes entre 0 y 15 años, con un promedio de edad de 7,2 años. Sesenta y tres por ciento de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino. Se presentaron 23 (56%) pacientes con abscesos periamigdalinos (PA), 12 (29,2%) con abscesos retrofaríngeos (RF), 5 (12,1%) con abscesos parafaríngeos (PF) y 1 (2,4%) con absceso de tipo mixto (RF- PF). El 60% de los pacientes recibió algún tratamiento médico previo. Se realizó estudio imagenológico en 83% de los pacientes. Todos los pacientes presentaron parámetros inflamatorios elevados. En el 80% de los pacientes se realizó tratamiento médico y algún tipo de drenaje. Conclusiones: Los abscesos profundos del cuello son una entidad relativamente poco frecuente en pediatría, pero potencialmente peligrosa si no se detecta a tiempo, por lo que debemos tener un alto índice de sospecha para evitar las complicaciones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Deep neck abscesses are pus collections lodged in the deep cervical spaces. They are rare in the pediatric population, however, they can present life-threatening complications. Objective: To characterize the patients who consult for deep neck abscesses in the pediatric emergency department of Dr. Sótero del Rio Hospital. Material and method: Descriptive retrospective study. A review of clinical records of patients diagnosed with deep neck abscesses in the pediatric emergency department of Dr. Sótero del Rio Hospital between 2011 and 2018 was made. The clinical (anamnesis, physical exam, general and specific laboratory exams and management) and demographic characteristics were evaluated. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics with measures of central tendency and range, using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Results: Forty-one patients between 0 and 15 years of age were included, with an average age of 7.2 years. 63% of the patients were male. There were 23 (56%) patients with peritonsillar abscesses (PA), 12 (29.2%) with retropharyngeal abscesses (RF), 5 (12.1%) with parapharyngeal abscesses (PF) and 1 (2.4%) with abscess of mixed type (RF-PF). 60% of the patients received some previous medical treatment. An imaging study was performed in 83% of the patients. All the patients presented high inflammatory parameters. In 80% of patients, medical treatment and some type of drainage were performed. Conclusions: Deep abscesses of the neck are a relatively rare entity in pediatrics, but potentially dangerous if not detected in time, so we must have a high index of suspicion to avoid complications.

Septic shock caused by the under-recognized bacterium Eggerthella lenta in a 61-year-old male with a periurethral abscess: a case report

Abstract Eggerthella lenta is a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that has been associated with life-threatening infections. Bacteremia is always clinically significant and is mostly but not always associated with gastrointestinal disease. We present a unique case of abrupt deterioration and rapid development of septic shock secondary to periurethral abscess caused by E. lenta infection. This case highlights the atypical clinical presentation, risk factors, uncommon source of infection, challenges in therapy, and outcome of this infrequent infection. There is still a gap in the understanding of E. lenta pathogenicity, and more literature is needed to establish clear management recommendations.

Absceso renal neonatal: un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. Caso clínico / Neonatal renal abscess: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A clinical case

El absceso renal representa una patología infrecuente en el recién nacido. Puede presentar consecuencias graves: sepsis con alta mortalidad, cicatrices renales y riesgo de enfermedad renal crónica. Se reporta sobre un recién nacido con absceso renal unilateral a Staphylococcus aureus, con cuadro de septicemia, sin otro foco supurativo ni malformación urinaria, que evolucionó adecuadamente con antibióticos endovenosos, sin tratamiento quirúrgico, aunque con cicatrices renales como secuela. A partir de este caso, se analizan las estrategias de diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento del absceso renal en un neonato y se destaca el diagnóstico precoz para evitar cicatrices renales.

Renal abscess is a rare disease in newborn, but severe consequences can occur: sepsis with high mortality, renal scar formation and risk of chronic renal failure. A neonate with unilateral renal abscess due to Staphylococcus aureus is reported, with septicemia, with no other suppurative focus, nor with urinary malformation, with good clinical evolution with intravenous antibiotics and without surgical treatment, but with renal scars sequel. From this case, the strategies of diagnosis, treatment and followup of the renal abscess in a neonate are analyzed, emphasizing the early diagnosis to avoid renal scars.

Celulitis orbitaria complicada por absceso subperióstico debido a infección por Streptococcus pyogenes / Orbital cellulitis complicated by subperiosteal abscess due to Streptococcus pyogenes infection

Resumen: Introducción: La celulitis orbitaria es una enfermedad infecciosa muy frecuente en la edad pediátrica que puede provocar el desarrollo de severas complicaciones. Los principales microorganismos involucrados son Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae y Moraxella catarrhalis, que juntos corresponden al 95% de los casos. También se pueden presentar Streptococcus beta hemolíticos y microorganismos anaerobios, que corresponden a menos del 5% de los casos. Se presenta un caso poco frecuente de celulitis orbitaria complicada por absceso subperióstico ocasionado por Streptococcus pyogenes (estreptococo beta hemolítico del grupo A). Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 9 años de edad con antecedente de trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad desde los 5 años de edad. Inició su padecimiento actual por presentar eritema en canto externo del ojo derecho; posteriormente, aumento de volumen periorbicular con limitación de apertura palpebral, progresión a proptosis, dolor a los movimientos oculares y secreción conjuntival purulenta. Los estudios de imagen subperióstico reportaron absceso y preseptal derecho con celulitis extraocular. Se inició manejo empírico con antibióticos, drenaje quirúrgico y cultivo del material purulento. De este, se aisló Streptococcus pyogenes. Conclusiones: Debido a la implementación de los esquemas de vacunación desde la década de los 90 contra H. influenza y S. pneumoniae, los casos por estos patógenos han disminuido, provocando que nuevas bacterias tomen su lugar como causantes de la infección. La importancia de considerar a S. pyogenes como etiología de celulitis orbitaria radica en la rápida progresión para la formación de abscesos, así como los pocos casos descritos en la literatura.

Abstract: Background: Orbital cellulitis is an infectious disease that is very common in pediatric patients, in which severe complications may develop. Etiological agents related to this disease are Haemophilus influenzae B, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, which correspond to 95% of cases. Moreover, Streptococcus beta hemolytic and anaerobic microorganisms may also be present corresponding to < 5% of the cases. We present an uncommon case of cellulitis complicated by sub-periosteal abscess caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus). Case report: A 9-year-old male patient with a history of deficit disorder and hyperactivity since 5 years of age. His current condition started with erythema in the external edge of the right eye, increase in peri-orbicular volume with limitation of eyelid opening, progression to proptosis, pain with eye movements and conjunctival purulent discharge. Image studies reported subperiosteal abscess and preseptal right with extraocular cellulitis. The patient started with empirical antibiotic treatment, surgical drainage and culture of purulent material from which Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated. Conclusions: Due to the implementation of vaccination schemes against H. influenza and S. pneumoniae since the 90s, the cases by these pathogens have decreased, causing new bacteria to take place as the cause of the infection. The importance of considering S. pyogenes as an etiology of orbital cellulitis is the rapid progression to abscess formation, and the few cases described in the literature.

Case report of vancomycin-induced pancytopenia

Abstract: Vancomycin is the first-line agent for the treatment of bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis. Pancytopenia is an uncommon adverse effect of vancomycin therapy, with only a few cases of vancomycin-related neutropenia and pancytopenia described in the literature. We describe a case of a 56-year-old man who was diagnosed with chronic paraspinal abscess and started on intravenous vancomycin. He was re-admitted two weeks later with new-onset pancytopenia. Discontinuation of vancomycin resulted in improved cell counts. Physicians should monitor cell counts in patients who are on long-term intravenous vancomycin.

Hipopituitarismo como debut de absceso hipofisiario / Hypopituitarism as debut of pituitary abscess

We present a case of a 20 years old woman who consults for amenorrhea and mild hyperprolactinemia. Within the functional study hypopituitarism was discover and MRI showed a cystic lesion with “ring” enhancement. Transsphenoidal resection was performed, showing purulent material. Cultures were positive for MSSA and Neisseria cinerea. Antibiotic treatment was started completing 21 days. She evolved without relapse but did not recovered pituitary function.

Abscess resulting from Mycobacterium kansasii in the left thigh of AIDS patient

A case of abscess resulting from Mycobacterium kansasii, in the left thigh of a 53-year-old woman infected with the Human Immunodeficiency virus, is reported. Curiously, there was no pulmonary or systemic involvement as is usual with these Mycobacterium infections. The patient had CD4 T lymphocyte count of 257 cells/µL and a viral load of 60,154 copies. Despite presenting a relatively preserved immunity, the patient also presented Criptococcic meningoencephalitis and Esophageal candidiasis. The patient responded satisfactorily to treatment for infections and after 51 days was discharged.

Extrapulmonary multidrug resistant tuberculosis presenting as chest wall abscess - A rare case report.

Summary: Even though the prevalence of pulmonary drug resistant tuberculosis is showing an increasing trend globally, only a few case reports of extrapulmonary tuberculosis caused by drug resistant mycobacteria have been documented over the last decade. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not infrequent and may cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Tuberculous abscess over chest wall is commonly due to the spread from an adjacent affected lymph node group. Multidrug resistance poses a great challenge to the physicians in managing such a condition and significantly affects the prognosis. Here we report a rare presentation of multidrug resistant tuberculosis as anterior chest wall abscess in a young male.

Caruncular Abscess Due to Actinomycosis

The authors report a caruncular abscess caused by actinomycosis. A 47-year-old woman was admitted with persistent purulent discharge from the caruncle of the left eye for a duration of six months. Excisional drainage was performed, and 'sulfur granules' were observed, consistent with actinomyces infection. Intraoperative lacrimal probing and irrigation were performed to confirm that the abscess and canaliculus were not connected. Oral and topical antibiotics were administered postoperatively; the lesion resolved with no evidence of recurrence, and the symptom improved.

Isolated tubercular splenic abscess: Can we defer splenectomy? Our single experience with anti-tuberculous therapy alone.

Isolated splenic tuberculosis is an exceedingly rare clinical condition. Microbiological confirmation of diagnosis in such cases is quite difficult. We encountered the case of a 35-year-old female, who presented with persistent low-grade fever and weight loss. The CT scan of the abdomen revealed multiple hypodense splenic lesions. No primary focus of infection was detected in any other organs. Fine needle aspiration of splenic lesion revealed acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl-Neelsen stain. With anti-tuberculous therapy, the lesions regressed significantly in size. We stress that splenic tuberculosis should be considered as a diagnostic possibility even in immunocompetent individuals and choose combination antituberculous therapy as the first line treatment with consideration of splenectomy depending on response.

Sub-cutaneous abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides in renal transplant recipient.

Nocardia is a significant opportunistic pathogen in patients with compromised immunity. Nocardia asteroides was isolated from subcutaneous abscesses on the left thigh and shoulder of a renal transplant recipient. Direct examination of the aspirated pus showed branching filaments that were gram-positive and acid fast. The abscesses were drained and the patient responded to high dose co-trimoxazole therapy.

Abcessos parafaríngeos na criança: estudo retrospectivo de 5 anos / Parapharyngeal abscess in children: five year retrospective study

Os abcessos laterofaríngeos e retrofaríngeos são infecções potencialmente fatais, designadamente na criança. Objetivo: Revisão de agentes etiológicos, achados clínicos e de exames de imagem de abcessos laterofaríngeos e retrofaríngeos em crianças, assim como de resultados e complicações do tratamento através de uma abordagem cirúrgica trans-oral. Material e método: Estudo retrospectivo abrangendo 11 crianças, internadas nos últimos 5 anos num hospital universitário terciário, com o diagnósticos de abcesso laterofaríngeo (n = 8) e retrofaríngeo (n = 3), com idades variando entre 0 e 12 anos. Os processos clínicos e exames de imagem foram revistos. Resultado: A idade média de apresentação foi de 3.3 anos de idade. Alterações da mobilidade cervical(64 por cento) e odinofagia(55 por cento) foram os sintomas mais frequentes. Febre(64 por cento), rigidez cervical(64 por cento), abaulamento da parede faríngea(55 por cento),massa cervical(55 por cento) e linfadenopatias(36 por cento) foram os achados clínicos mais frequentes. Todos os doentes foram submetidos a drenagem cirurgia por via trans-oral nas primeiras 48 horas após a admissão hospitalar. Cerca de 82 por cento dos doente apresentaram melhoria do quadro clinico após 48 horas e todos após 72 horas, sem quaisquer complicações. Conclusão: Considerando os bons resultados e a baixa taxa de complicações, o presente estudo sugere que uma antibioterapia sistémica associada a uma intervenção cirúrgica atempada parece ser uma opção válida no tratamento destes abcessos.

Lateropharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses are potentially life threatening infections in children AIM: To review the etiologic, clinical, and imaging signs of lateropharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses in children as well as treatment-outcomes and complications using a surgical trans-oral approach. Method: Retrospective analysis of 11 children, hospitalized in the last 5 years, with a diagnosis of lateropharyngeal (n = 8) and retropharyngeal (n = 3) abscesses, ages ranging from 0 to 12 years old. Charts and CT scans were reviewed. Result: The average age of presentation was 3.3 years. Neck stiffness (64 percent) and odynophagia (55 percent) were the most common symptoms. Fever (64 percent), stiff neck (64 percent), bulging of the oropharyngeal wall (55 percent), mass in the neck (55 percent) and lymphadenopathy (36 percent) were the most prevalent physical findings. All these patients were submitted to surgical drainage using a trans-oral approach in the first 48 hours after admission. About 82 percent of the patients showed improvement after 48 hours, and 100 percent after 72 hours, without any complications. Conclusion: Based on the good clinical outcomes and low incidence of complications, the present study suggests that antibiotic therapy complemented with a timely surgical treatment, is a valid treatment option in refractory parapharyngeal abscesses.

Tratamento clínico de endocardite em prótese valvar complicada por abscesso para-protético / Successful medical management of prosthetic-valve endocarditis complicated by perivalvular abscess

O presente artigo relata o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 44 anos, com endocardite em prótese aórtica complicada por abscesso para-protético. Evoluiu com melhora do processo infeccioso apenas com o tratamento clínico. História prévia de doença reumática, submetido a três cirurgias cardíacas para troca valvar por disfunção de prótese e endocardite prévia. Neste relato de caso, discutiremos as características principais do abscesso para-protético como complicação de endocardite

We present a case of a 44-year-old man with prosthetic aortic endocarditis complicated by a perivalvular abscess. He evolved with improvement of the infectious process only under clinical treatment. The patient presented a prior history of rheumatic fever and had previously been undergone three valve replacements due to prosthesis dysfunction and previous endocarditis. In this case report we discuss the main features of perivalvular abscess complicating infective endocarditis