Surgical Results for Infective Endocarditis Complicated With Cardiogenic Shock.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis remains associated with substantial mortality and morbidity rates, and the presence of acute heart failure (AHF) compromises clinical results after valve surgery; however, little is known in cardiogenic shock (CGS) patients. This study evaluated the clinical results and risk of mortality in CGS patients after valve surgery.Methods and Results:This study enrolled 585 patients who underwent valve surgery for active endocarditis at 14 institutions between 2009 and 2017. Of these patients, 69 (12%) were in CGS, which was defined as systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and severe pulmonary congestion, requiring mechanical ventilation and/or mechanical circulatory support, preoperatively. The predictors of CGS were analyzed, and clinical results of patients with non-CGS AHF (n=215) were evaluated and compared.Staphylococcus aureusinfection (odds ratio [OR] 2.19; P=0.044), double valve involvement (OR 3.37; P=0.003), and larger vegetation (OR 1.05; P=0.036) were risk factors for CGS. Hospital mortality occurred in 27 (13%) non-CGS AHF patients and in 15 (22%) CGS patients (P=0.079). Overall survival at 1 and 5 years in CGS patients was 76% and 69%, respectively, and there were no significant differences in overall survival compared with non-CGS AHF patients (P=1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical results after valve surgery in CGS patients remain challenging; however, mid-term results were equivalent to those of non-CGS AHF patients.

The Utility of Echocardiography in Pediatric Patients with Structurally Normal Hearts and Suspected Endocarditis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in children with structurally normal hearts suspected of having infective endocarditis (IE). We hypothesized that the diagnostic yield of TTE is minimal in low-risk patients with normal hearts. We performed a retrospective chart review of TTEs performed for concern for endocarditis at a pediatric tertiary care referral center in Portland, Oregon. Three hundred patients met inclusion criteria (< 21 years old, completed TTE for IE from 2005 to 2015, no history of congenital heart disease or endocarditis). We recorded findings that met the modified Duke criteria (MDC) including fever, positive blood culture, and vascular/immunologic findings; presence of a central line; whether or not patients were diagnosed with IE clinically; and if any changes to antibiotic regimens were made based on TTE. Ten patients (3%) had echocardiograms consistent with IE. When compared to the clinical diagnosis of IE, the positive predictive value (PPV) of one positive blood culture without other major/minor MDC was 0. Similarly, the PPV of two positive blood cultures without other major/minor criteria was 0.071. Patients should be evaluated using the MDC to assess the clinical probability of IE prior to performing a TTE. Patients with a low probability for IE should not undergo TTE as it has a low diagnostic yield and patients are unlikely to be diagnosed with disease.

Difference in Outcome Following Surgery for Native Aortic and Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated differences in clinical presentation, microbiology, and short- and long-term results according to the affected valve in patients who underwent surgery for left-sided native valve infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of 117 patients with isolated mitral valve IE (group M) and 140 patients with isolated aortic valve IE (group A) who underwent surgery between 1998 and 2015. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in group M was 62 ± 14 years, whereas in group A the patients were 56 ± 14 years old (p = 0.001). There were 61 females (52% of patients) in group M and 31 females (22% of patients) in group A (p < 0.001). Abscesses were more common in group A than in group B. Staphylococcus aureus was more frequent in group M (47%, n = 55) than in group A (21%, n = 30; p < 0.001). The length of time from symptom onset to surgery was longer in group A than in group M, but the time from diagnosis to surgery was shorter in group A than in group M. Ninety-day mortality was similar in group M and group A in patients operated within 48 hours after diagnosis, but in patients who were operated more than 48 hours after diagnosis the 90-day mortality was 15% in group M and 3% in group A (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: There were considerable differences in preoperative characteristics, microbiology, timing of surgery, and outcomes between patients who underwent surgery for isolated aortic valve IE and those who were operated for isolated mitral valve IE.

Isolated Tricuspid Valvectomy: A Series of cases with Intravenous Drug Abuse Associated Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical management for tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis is usually TV repair or replacement. When repair is not feasible, and concerns for patient recidivism preclude TV replacement, tricuspid valvectomy without replacement is an option to alleviate symptoms and allow time for addiction management. METHODS: We reviewed our institution's experience with isolated tricuspid valvectomy for cases of intravenous drug use (IVDU)-associated endocarditis (n = 7) from 2009 to 2017. RESULTS: The decision for tricuspid valvectomy was based on each patient's comorbid condition and realization of active IVDU. This intervention resulted in 100% perioperative and mid-term survival with a mean follow-up of 25.4 months. One patient required a valve replacement in the long term only after appropriate substance abuse management was completed. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgeons increasingly encounter patients with active endocarditis who suffer from IVDU addiction. Drug addiction increases the risk for recurrent endocarditis and requires an effective management plan. Multidisciplinary endocarditis care teams may play a pivotal role in improving outcomes by better addressing addiction treatment.

An unusual case of isolated right-sided infective endocarditis masquerading as non-resolving pneumonia.

Right-sided infective endocarditis in non-intravenous drug abusers and non-immunocompromised patients is rare. The diagnosis is difficult as it can present as a respiratory illness leading to delays in diagnosis and development of complications, which can be fatal. The standard Duke criteria may not be adequate for diagnosis. We present a patient with isolated right-sided infective endocarditis mimicking right lower lobe non-resolving pneumonia who did not respond to antitubercular therapy.

Rare Simultaneous Left and Right-Sided Native Valve Infective Endocarditis Caused by Rare Bacterium.

Simultaneous left and right-sided native valve infective endocarditis (IE) is rare. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism for bilateral IE. Shunt diseases are common risk factors of both-sided IE. Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus) is usually associated with pyogenic infections, but rarely a cause of IE. Here we present an extremely rare case of simultaneous left and right-sided native valve IE affecting the mitral and tricuspid valves caused by S. anginosus in an adult patient that has not been reported in the literature previously, particularly without the most frequent predisposing factors of IE. A 66-year-old man was admitted due to generalized fatigue, chills, malaise, and intermittent fevers for 1 year. A grade III-IV/VI systolic murmur at the mitral area and a III/VI systolic murmur at the tricuspid area were noted on physical examination. Laboratory evaluation revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level, and high fasting blood glucose. Blood culture was positive for S. anginosus. Echocardiography revealed vegetations in both sides of the heart: a large mitral valve vegetation with severe mitral regurgitation, as well as another vegetation on the tricuspid valve with moderate regurgitation. The case highlights a rare pathogen of both-sided IE, a rare presentation of S. anginosus infection, and several points worthy of note in echocardiography of IE.

S. aureus endocarditis: Clinical aspects and experimental approaches.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease, caused by septic vegetations and inflammatory foci on the surface of the endothelium and the valves. Due to its complex and often indecisive presentation the mortality rate is still about 30%. Most frequently bacterial microorganisms entering the bloodstream are the underlying origin of the intracardiac infection. While the disease was primarily restricted to younger patients suffering from rheumatic heart streptococci infections, new at risk categories for Staphylococcus (S.) aureus infections arose over the last years. Rising patient age, increasing drug resistance, intensive treatment conditions such as renal hemodialysis, immunosuppression and long term indwelling central venous catheters but also the application of modern cardiac device implants and valve prosthesis have led to emerging incidences of S. aureus IE in health care settings and community. The aetiologic change has impact on the pathophysiology of IE, the clinical presentation and the overall patient management. Despite intensive research on appropriate in vitro and in vivo models of IE and gained knowledge about the fundamental mechanisms in the formation of bacterial vegetations and extracardiac complications, improved understanding of relevant bacterial virulence factors and triggered host immune responses is required to help developing novel antipathogenic treatment strategies and pathogen specific diagnostic markers. In this review, we summarize and discuss the two main areas affected by the changing patient demographics and provide first, recent knowledge about the pathogenic strategies of S. aureus in the induction of IE, including available experimental models of IE used to study host-pathogen interactions and diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In a second focus we present diagnostic (imaging) regimens for patients with S. aureus IE according to current guidelines as well as treatment strategies and surgical recommendations.

Infective endocarditis following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) after edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device. BACKGROUND: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair has emerged as an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. However, few data exist on IE following transcatheter mitral procedures. METHODS: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched for original published studies on IE after edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair from 2003 to 2017. RESULTS: A total of 10 publications describing 12 patients with definitive IE (median age 76 years, 55% men) were found. The mean logistic EuroSCORE/EuroSCORE II were 41% and 45%, respectively. The IE episode occurred early (within 12 months post-procedure) in nine patients (75%; within the first month in five patients). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent (60%) causal microorganism, and severe mitral regurgitation was present in all cases but one. Surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) was performed in most (67%) patients, and the mortality associated with the IE episode was high (42%). CONCLUSIONS: IE following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is a rare but life-threatening complication, usually necessitating SMVR despite the high-risk profile of the patients. These results highlight the importance of adequate preventive measures and a prompt diagnosis and treatment of this serious complication.

Baroreceptor stimulation in a patient with preexisting subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with severe heart failure (HF) have an indication for baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Concerns about device-device interactions were addressed in a study with small sample size that concluded combined BAT and ICD therapy is safe. There are no published data, however, concerning device-device interactions between BAT and a subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD). Since BAT frequently interferes with surface electrocardiogram recordings, there are doubts about compatibility of BAT and S-ICD devices. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction received an S-ICD after recurrent systemic infections due to a diabetic foot syndrome, ultimately associated with infective endocarditis. Since medical HF therapy could not be further optimized and the patient presented with persistent cardiac decompensations, he was evaluated for BAT. Preoperatively, the barostim was epicutaneously placed on the patient's thorax with conductive gel in order to evaluate a possible interference with the S-ICD. Positioning of the barostim in loco typico did not affect the S-ICD's sensing in any vector. Only positioning of the carotis sinus lead directly upon the S-ICD lead, which is beyond clinical relevance, lead to missensing. Subsequently, BAT was implanted with successful perioperative testing of the S-ICD: there was accurate detection of ventricular fibrillation and immediate termination via first shock delivery under maximum barostim output. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, there are no other reports in which a barostim was safely implanted in a patient with a preexisting S-ICD. Until data with large patient numbers are available, individual perioperative testing is highly recommended.

Septic Shock, Meningoencephalitis and Multiple Pulmonary Emboli: Case Report of an Uncommon Clinical Presentation of Ventricular Septal Defect Acute Infective Endocarditis.

The case is reported of a 55 year-old woman, with a previously known congenital septal defect, who was admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, septic shock, and rapid clinical deterioration. Echocardiography revealed a vegetation occupying the right-side heart. Endocarditis affectation of the septal defect, aortic and tricuspid valves was noted and blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Urgent surgical treatment was performed whereby the ventricular septal defect was closed, a meticulous debridement of the affected area was conducted, and the aortic and tricuspid valves were replaced.

Tricuspid Valve Surgery in Patients with Isolated Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis: Analysis of Perioperative Parameters and Long-Term Outcomes.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative characteristics and the short- and mid-term outcomes in patients undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for isolated TV endocarditis. Patients and Methods A total of 56 patients with isolated TV endocarditis underwent TV surgery at a single center between June 1995 and February 2012. Mean age of patients was 53.8 ± 17.1 years, 39 (69.6%) being male. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 60.4 ± 13.6% and 13 (23.2%) patients had diabetes mellitus. Average logistic EuroSCORE was 19.4 ± 17.0%. Mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 3.8 years. Results Microbiological investigations revealed positive blood cultures in 89.1% of patients and positive intraoperative swabs in 51.9%. The most common pathogen (42.9%) isolated was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9%). Discussion A history of intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) was recorded in 11 patients (19.6%), of which 8 patients additionally had hepatitis C. A total of 15 patients (26.8%) had a permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in situ. TV replacement was performed in 22 patients (39.3%) and TV repair was performed in 34 patients (60.7%). Overall 30-day mortality was 12.5%. Five-year survival was 63.9 ± 7.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.0-137.5 months). Freedom from reoperation for recurrent TV endocarditis was 91.7 ± 4.0% (95% CI: 152.3-179.3 months) at 5 years. Conclusion Blood culture is the most important tool to detect the causative pathogen causing IE of TV. The high risk of hepatitis C in patients with IVDA and IE of the TV should be mentioned.

Physiopathological approach to infective endocarditis in chronic hemodialysis patients: left heart versus right heart involvement.

Infectious endocarditis (IE), a complication that is both cardiac and infectious, occurs frequently and is associated with a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients (CHD). About 2-6% of chronic hemodialysis patients develop IE and the incidence is 50-60 times higher among CHD patients than in the general population. The left heart is the most frequent location of IE in CHD and the different published series report a prevalence of left valve involvement varying from 80% to 100%. Valvular and perivalvular abnormalities, alteration of the immune system, and bacteremia associated with repeated manipulation of the vascular access, particularly central venous catheters, comprise the main factors explaining the left heart IE in CHD patients. While left-sided IE develops in altered valves in a high-pressure system, right-sided IE on the contrary, generally develops in healthy valves in a low-pressure system. Right-sided IE is rare, with its incidence varying from 0% to 26% depending on the study, and the tricuspid valve is the main location. Might the massive influx of pathogenic and virulent germs via the central venous catheter to the right heart, with the tricuspid being the first contact valve, have a role in the physiopathology of IE in CHD, thus facilitating bacterial adhesion? While the physiopathology of left-sided IE entails multiple and convincing mechanisms, it is not the case for right-sided IE, for which the physiopathological mechanism is only partially understood and remains shrouded in mystery.

Genome-wide Screening Identifies Phosphotransferase System Permease BepA to Be Involved in Enterococcus faecium Endocarditis and Biofilm Formation.

Enterococcus faecium is a common cause of nosocomial infections, of which infective endocarditis is associated with substantial mortality. In this study, we used a microarray-based transposon mapping (M-TraM) approach to evaluate a rat endocarditis model and identified a gene, originally annotated as "fruA" and renamed "bepA," putatively encoding a carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) permease (biofilm and endocarditis-associated permease A [BepA]), as important in infective endocarditis. This gene is highly enriched in E. faecium clinical isolates and absent in commensal isolates that are not associated with infection. Confirmation of the phenotype was established in a competition experiment of wild-type and a markerless bepA mutant in a rat endocarditis model. In addition, deletion of bepA impaired biofilm formation in vitro in the presence of 100% human serum and metabolism of ß-methyl-D-glucoside. ß-glucoside metabolism has been linked to the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans that are exposed on injured heart valves, where bacteria attach and form vegetations. Therefore, we propose that the PTS permease BepA is directly implicated in E. faecium pathogenesis.

Ventricular Septal Defect from Aortic Regurgitation Jet Lesion in Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis.

Aortic valve infective endocarditis (IE) can be complicated with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) jet-related lesions such as vegetations, pseudoaneurysms, aneurysms or perforations on the anterior mitral leaflet. Herein is reported the case of a 69-year-old male with culture-negative aortic valve endocarditis complicated with aortic valve perforations resulting in severe and eccentric AR and an AR jet-related ventricular septal defect (VSD). Neither transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) nor two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) were unable to clearly discriminate an aorto-right ventricular fistula from a VSD. By contrast, three-dimensional TEE (3D-TEE) demonstrated multiple aortic valve vegetations, aortic valve perforations, severe AR, and an AR jet-related VSD. The 3D-TEE findings were confirmed at surgery, the aortic valve was replaced with a bioprosthetic valve, and the VSD was repaired with a pericardial patch. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a VSD resulting from an AR jet lesion to be detected and characterized using 3D-TEE. The accurate preoperative diagnosis and characterization of the VSD with 3D-TEE contributed to successful surgery and the patient's short- and long-term survival. Video 1A: This four-chamber transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) view with color Doppler shows a color-Doppler jet traversing the basal interventricular septum (IVS) into the right ventricle, predominantly during systole. However, the origin of the jet resulting from an aortic-right ventricular fistula cannot be determined. A mild to moderate degree of tricuspid regurgitation is also noted. Video 1B: Close-up view of the basal IVS demonstrates a color Doppler jet traversing the IVS, predominantly during systole and apparently originating in the left ventricular outflow tract side, as illustrated by a color Doppler acceleration zone. However, and as in Fig. 1A, the origin of the jet resulting from an aortic-right ventricular fistula cannot be determined. Video 1C: Color Doppler two-dimensional TEE view longitudinal to the aortic valve and aortic root, showing a predominantly systolic color Doppler jet originating in the left ventricular outflow tract and/or aorta and crossing the anterior and basal IVS defect into the right ventricle. Videos 1D: These three-dimensional TEE en-face left ventricular outflow tract views of the aortic valve and basal anterior IVS (Video 1D) and medial anterior close up (Video 1E) and lateral en-face (Video 1F) views of the LV outflow tract and IVS clearly define the anterior and basal location of the VSD with irregular borders and a residual mobile tissue fragment. Multiple aortic valve vegetations and a perforation are visible in Video 1D. Videos 1E: These three-dimensional TEE en-face left ventricular outflow tract views of the aortic valve and basal anterior IVS (Video 1D) and medial anterior close up (Video 1E) and lateral en-face (Video 1F) views of the LV outflow tract and IVS clearly define the anterior and basal location of the VSD with irregular borders and a residual mobile tissue fragment. Multiple aortic valve vegetations and a perforation are visible in Video 1D. Videos 1F: These three-dimensional TEE en-face left ventricular outflow tract views of the aortic valve and basal anterior IVS (Video 1D) and medial anterior close up (Video 1E) and lateral en-face (Video 1F) views of the LV outflow tract and IVS clearly define the anterior and basal location of the VSD with irregular borders and a residual mobile tissue fragment. Multiple aortic valve vegetations and a perforation are visible in Video 1D.

Two Cases of Right Atrial Mural Endocarditis Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus.

Mural endocarditis is a rare clinical entity with an extremely high mortality rate. It is usually predisposed by an underlying structural intracardiac abnormality. We present two cases of mural endocarditis occurring in the right atrium which were complicated by septic pulmonary embolism, one of which was predisposed by a jet lesion secondary to a coronary artery fistula. Both cases were successfully managed conservatively with excellent long-term outcomes.

Serious Complications from Staphylococcal aureus in Atopic Dermatitis.

Colonization with Staphylococcal aureus is markedly more frequent in individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) than in unaffected individuals. Chronic scratching leads to worsening of an existing defect in the epidermal barrier, which can allow S. aureus invasion into the bloodstream and subsequent systemic infections. We report two unusual cases of systemic illness in individuals with AD. One developed infective endocarditis followed by a stroke and the other developed septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. We performed an extensive literature review of reported systemic complications caused by S. aureus in patients with AD. Although reports are rare, practitioners should be aware of these important, albeit unlikely, complications of staphylococcal superinfections in individuals with AD.

[INFECTIOUS ENDOCARDITIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN].

A case of primary infectious endocarditis with the lesion of mitral valve in a pregnant woman is reported The diseases was caused by meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Special attention is given to inefficiency of beta-lactame antibiotics against this infection and beneficial effect of daptomycin therapy. This observation confirms literature data about high frequency of thromboembolic complications of S aureus-induced infectious endocarditis due to the production of various coagulases and von Willebrand factor-binding protein by these microorganisms. An increase of coagulation caused by S. aureus is mediated through activation of prothrombin, factor XIII, and fibrin-binding fibronectin. It requires prescription of direct thrombin inhibitor pradax that proved to yield good results in the treatment of our patient. It is concluded that infectious endocarditis in pregnant women is characterized by an atypical clinical picture due to impaired immunity associated with rapid progression of the process after delivery, high frequency of thromboembolic and DIC syndromes.

Pulmonary homograft endocarditis and aortic autograft failure after Ross procedure: a double stentless bioprosthesis approach.

The case is reported of a 38-year-old male patient with pulmonary homograft acute infective endocarditis and aortic root dilation that occurred 13 years after a Ross procedure for bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation. Aortic and pulmonary root replacements were performed, using a Freestyle stentless aortic root bioprosthesis in both cases, with excellent hemodynamics on postoperative echocardiography. In addition, preoperative systemic septic embolization had occurred despite an absence of left-sided endocarditis, presumably due to an intrapulmonary shunt. This case report demonstrates the feasibility of a double stentless bioprosthesis approach, and stresses the need to remain vigilant for septic embolization even in isolated right-sided endocarditis.

Latent Q fever endocarditis in patients undergoing routine valve surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by a fastidious bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. A recent major outbreak of which in the Netherlands will most likely lead to the emergence of hundreds of cases of C. burnetii endocarditis during the next decade. Patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery may carry undiagnosed Q fever endocarditis with possible disastrous outcomes, and hence may benefit from a screening strategy. The study aim was to evaluate the frequency of unsuspected latent Q fever endocarditis in patients undergoing routine valve surgery. METHODS: At the present authors' institution, all resected cardiac valves/prostheses are examined routinely histologically, microbiologically and on a molecular biological basis, in addition to serological testing for fastidious microorganisms. A retrospective review was conducted of data relating to all patients who had unsuspected Q fever endocarditis that had been diagnosed after routine valve/prosthesis replacement/repair between 2000 and 2013 at the authors' institution. RESULTS: Among 6,401 patients undergoing valve surgery, postoperative examinations of the explanted valves/prostheses led to an unexpected diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis in 14 cases (0.2%), who subsequently underwent appropriate medical treatments. Only two of the patients (14%) had intraoperative findings suggestive of endocarditis. On serological analysis of the blood samples, 11 patients (79%) presented an evocative Phase I IgG antibody titer > or =800. Valvular tissue-sample analyses yielded positive cultures and PCR in the same 13 patients (93%), whereas pathological and immunohistochemical examinations alone were suggestive of endocarditis in only seven Cases (50%). CONCLUSION: This screening strategy led to an unexpected diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis in 0.2% of patients undergoing routine valve surgery, who received subsequent appropriate antibiotic therapy. Systematic serological analysis should be mandatory before performing heart valve surgery in countries where C. burnetii is endemic. A positive serology should lead to appropriate valve-specimen analyses, including microbiological, molecular biological and histological evaluations.