Streptococcus agalactiae Infective Endocarditis in a Young Immunocompetent Male.

Group B Streptococcus endocarditis is a rare but serious condition, characterized by the infection of heart valves and associated with a high mortality rate. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains adds complexity to therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of tailored antibiotic regimens and surgical interventions when indicated. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are essential in improving patient outcomes. A 22-year-old male patient with no comorbidities was admitted with a thromboembolic stroke. MRI brain showed bilateral cerebral and cerebellar multifocal acute nonhemorrhagic infarcts. He was found to have Streptococcus agalactiae bacteremia, and infective mitral valve endocarditis. He underwent mitral valve replacement and IV antibiotic treatment with a successful outcome.

Enterococcus faecalis Infective Endocarditis Associated With Colorectal Cancer.

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is considered the third most common source of infective endocarditis. Some of the published reports linked its origin to colorectal cancer. We report a 70-year-old male patient diagnosed with E. faecalis infective endocarditis complicated by myocardial infarction. The patient also experienced symptoms of melena and anemia, prompting a colonoscopy. A colon mass was found and a biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy. In addition to that, he was treated for his cardiac issues. Many studies suggest screening for colonoscopy in patients with E. faecalis infective endocarditis to investigate its origin and potential association with colorectal cancer.

Native Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Secondary to Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to a microbial infection affecting either a heart valve or endocardium, resulting in tissue damage and the formation of vegetation. Native aortic valve endocarditis in children is rare and is associated with serious complications related to valvular insufficiency and systemic embolizations. As reports about community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) native aortic valve endocarditis in children are very scarce, we report this case along with a literature review about its complications and management. Here, we report the case of a seven-month-old infant who was previously healthy and presented with signs and symptoms of shock and systemic embolizations secondary to native aortic valve IE. His blood culture showed MRSA. He developed aortic valve insufficiency heart failure and multiorgan septic emboli that progressed to fatal refractory multiorgan failure. The management of complicated aortic valve endocarditis in children is challenging and needs a multidisciplinary team approach and prompt intervention.

Percutaneous aspiration of aortic valve vegetation in a patient with aortic valve endocarditis.

Key Clinical Message: Percutaneous aspiration for debulking of vegetations in right-sided infective endocarditis has been well-described, however, this technique can be employed successfully for left-sided vegetations in select high-risk patients. Abstract: We report a case of percutaneous aspiration of an aortic valve vegetation in a patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis. This novel approach was selected after patient declined surgical intervention for an enlarging vegetation despite antibiotic therapy. The procedure was successful, resulting in the complete removal of solid vegetation without complications.

In-Depth Review of Loeffler Endocarditis: What Have We Learned?

Loeffler endocarditis, eosinophilic endocarditis or eosinophilic endomyocardial disease are conditions associated with hypereosinophilia and they affect the heart function. Loeffler endocarditis is a rare endomyocardial disorder thought to be caused by eosinophilic damage. The disorder is characterized by inflammatory infiltration, formation of thrombus within cardiovascular system, and ultimately fibrosis of the afflicted area. It can lead to multiple severe complications, including thromboembolic disease, thickening of fibrous tissue in the endocardium of ventricles, valve involvement, apical obliteration, and various heart disorders. Although early clinical intervention can lead to remission, the underlying mechanisms of the disorder remain unresolved. In the present article, we summarise the existing literature concerning Loeffler endocarditis based on PubMed, Web of Science, and other medical databases to conduct an in-depth review of the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, staging, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Loeffler endocarditis. Meanwhile, we provide novel patients data and clinical figures of Loeffler endocarditis to supplement the understanding of this cardiac disorder. The findings presented in this article provide a basis for further studies and can be used to improve management of the disorder.

Aorto-left atrial fistula secondary to aortic infective endocarditis in a dog with a bicuspid aortic valve.

An 11-year-old male neutered English Bulldog was presented for evaluation of thrombocytopenia, acute onset of ataxia, and vomiting. A new murmur was auscultated on physical examination. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination revealed a bicuspid aortic valve, vegetative lesions on the aortic valve, and continuous shunting from the aortic root to the left atrium through an aorta to left atrial fistula. The dog was euthanized due to guarded prognosis and critical condition. Pathological examination confirmed presence of bicuspid aortic valve, aorto-left atrial fistula, and aortic infective endocarditis. Antemortem blood culture revealed two unusual organisms: Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Fusobacterium mortiferum.

[Update on endocarditis 2024]. / Update Endokarditis 2024.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease with an increasing incidence despite improved preventive measures. The revision of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on infective endocarditis in 2023 brings significant innovations in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Many measures for prophylaxis and prevention have been more clearly defined and given higher recommendation levels. In the diagnostics of IE the use of other imaging modalities besides echocardiography, such as cardiac computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET)/CT or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT with radioactively labeled leukocytes was more strongly emphasized. The diagnostics and treatment of IE associated with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) were also revised. An essential innovation is also the possibility of an outpatient antibiotic treatment for certain patients after initial treatment in hospital. The indications for surgery have also been revised and, in particular, the timing of surgery has been more clearly defined. This article provides an overview of the most important changes.

Infective Endocarditis Involving Implanted Cardiac Electronic Devices: JACC Focus Seminar 1/4.

Cardiac implantable electronic device-related infective endocarditis (CIED-IE) encompasses a range of clinical syndromes, including valvular, device lead, and bloodstream infections. However, accurately diagnosing CIED-IE remains challenging owing in part to diverse clinical presentations, lack of standardized definition, and variations in guideline recommendations. Furthermore, current diagnostic modalities, such as transesophageal echocardiography and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography have limited sensitivity and specificity, further contributing to diagnostic uncertainty. This can potentially result in complications and unnecessary costs associated with inappropriate device extraction. Six hypothetical clinical cases that exemplify the diverse manifestations of CIED-IE are addressed herein. Through these cases, we highlight the importance of optimizing diagnostic accuracy and stewardship, understanding different pathogen-specific risks for bloodstream infections, guiding appropriate device extraction, and preventing CIED-IE, all while addressing key knowledge gaps. This review both informs clinicians and underscores crucial areas for future investigation, thereby shedding light on this complex and challenging syndrome.

Strategies to Improve Patient-Centered Care for Drug Use-Associated Infective Endocarditis: JACC Focus Seminar 2/4.

Drug use-associated infective endocarditis (DUA-IE) is a major cause of illness and death for people with substance use disorder (SUD). Investigations to date have largely focused on advancing the care of patients with DUA-IE and included drug use disorder treatment, decisions about surgery, and choice of antibiotics during the period of hospitalization. Transitions from hospital to outpatient care are relatively unstudied and frequently a key factor of uncontrolled infection, continued substance use, and death. In this paper, we review the evidence supporting cross-disciplinary care for people with DUA-IE and highlight domains that need further clinician, institutional, and research investment in clinicians and institutions. We highlight best practices for treating people with DUA-IE, with a focus on addressing health disparities, meeting health-related social needs, and policy changes that can support care for people with DUA-IE in the hospital and when transitioning to the community.

A case of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis on the aortic valve following coronary angiography.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) on the aortic valve involves fibrin and platelet aggregate formation, potentially leading to embolic events. We present a case of NBTE on the aortic valve following coronary angiography (CAG) in a 54-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. Surgical thrombectomy was performed owing to acute cerebral infarcts. This case highlights the significance of considering that mechanical trauma from catheterization during CAG can trigger thrombus formation.

Hepatic artery aneurysms in infective endocarditis: report of 10 cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs), albeit rare in infective endocarditis (IE), are associated with a life-threatening morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective review of 10 HAA-IE-patients based on a total of 623 IE-patients managed in two institutions (2008-2020) vs 35 literature' cases. RESULTS: In our patient population, HAAs (10 males, mean-age 48) were incidentally found during IE-workup. All were asymptomatic. IE involved mitral (n=6), aortic (n=3), or mitral-aortic valve (n=1). Predisposing factors for IE were: prosthetic valve (n= 6), previous IE (n=2), IV drug user (n=1). Streptococcus spp were predominant (n=4), then staphylococcus spp (n=2) and E. faecalis (n=2). All patients presented associated lesions: infectious aneurysms (n=5), emboli (n=9), abscesses (n=5) and spondylitis/spondylodiscitis (n=2). HAA patterns on abdominal CT-Angiography (CTA) were solitary (70%), mean diameter 11.7mm (range 2-30), intrahepatic location (100%) involving the right HA in 9/10 (90%) patients. In 2 patients HAAs were complicated (rectorragia and hemobilia in 1, cholestasis in the other). Six patients underwent endovascular hepatic embolization (2 with multiple HAAs). Three HAA-IEs <15mm resolved under antibiotherapy on abdominal CTA follow-up. All patients underwent cardiac surgery. Late outcome was favorable in all followed patients (5/10). Literature review showed the preponderance of Streptococcus spp., of right lobe and intrahepatic HAA localization. Complications revealed HAAs in patients under antibiotic therapy and/or after cardiac surgery in 17 literature' cases of delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Abdominal CTA was pivotal in the initial IE work-up. Small aneurysms (≤15mm) resolved under antibiotherapy. The usual treatment modality was HAA embolization and endovascular embolization prior to valve surgery was safe.

Invasive Candida Infection in Patients With Bacterial Infective Endocarditis.

Over 21 months, 12 patients with invasive Candida infections detected during the course of treatment of bacterial endocarditis, including 11 with candidemia, were identified. Invasive Candida infections can occur as a complication of bacterial endocarditis and may occur more frequently in patients with injection drug use and broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure.

Surgical management of multiple coronary artery to coronary sinus fistulas with giant left circumflex artery and multivalvular infective endocarditis.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is characterized as a congenital or acquired abnormal communication between a coronary artery and any of the four chambers of the heart (coronary-cameral fistula) or great vessels (coronary arteriovenous fistula) bypassing the capillaries within myocardium. CAF is a rare disease, challenging to diagnose and treat depending on the anatomical location and type of the fistula and accompanying diseases. This study aims to report a case with multiple coronary artery to coronary sinus (CS) fistulas with giant left circumflex artery and multivalvular infective endocarditis.

Shared Decision-Making for Partial Oral Antibiotic Treatment of Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series.

Although literature has demonstrated the noninferiority of oral antibiotics in the treatment of infectious endocarditis, widespread adoption of this practice has yet to occur in the United States. We report on 32 patients with infectious endocarditis treated by a multidisciplinary endocarditis team and a standardized approach to partial oral antibiotic therapy with a high rate of clinical success.

Streptococcus gordonii-associated infective endocarditis: Case series, literature review, and genetic study.

Key Clinical Message: Streptococcus gordonii-associated endocarditis is a rare occurrence, raising diagnostic challenges, and is often associated with considerable morbidity. However, vigilance can prevent devastating consequences. Abstract: Streptococcus gordonii-associated endocarditis is rarely reported but often associated with considerable morbidity. We describe three cases of infective endocarditis caused by S. gordonii during a four-week period in 2023, and the use of whole-genome sequencing to determine whether these isolates were genetically related. The available literature was reviewed.

Unusual Case of Right-Side Infective Endocarditis in a 40-Year-Old Woman with Postpartum Endometritis: A Case Report.

Rarely observed during pregnancy and the postpartum period, right side infective endocarditis (IE) is particularly uncommon among non-drug-addicted individuals. Nonetheless, if it does occur, it poses significant health risks for both the mother and the fetus, even in the absence of pre-existing heart diseases. This case report describes a rare presentation of right-sided IE (IE) in a 40-year-old woman from rural Ethiopia with postpartum endometritis. The patient presented with atypical symptoms, making it challenging to identify the underlying cause. Through careful diagnostic evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach, the team successfully diagnosed and treated the patient, highlighting the importance of swift and accurate diagnosis for managing uncommon right-sided IE cases.

The Clinical Challenge of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: JACC Focus Seminar 3/4.

During the past 6 decades, there have been numerous changes in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), currently affecting an older population and increasing in incidence in patients with transcatheter-implanted valves. Significant microbiologic (molecular biology) and imaging diagnostic (fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography) advances have been incorporated into the 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases infective endocarditis diagnostic criteria, thus increasing the diagnostic sensitivity for PVE without sacrificing specificity in validation studies. PVE is a life-threatening disease requiring management by multidisciplinary endocarditis teams in cardiac centers to improve outcomes. Novel surgical options are now available, and an increasing set of patients may avoid surgical intervention despite indication. Selected patients may complete parenteral or oral antimicrobial treatment at home. Finally, patients with prosthetic valves implanted surgically or by the transcatheter approach are candidates for antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive dental procedures.

Recent Insights Into Native Valve Infective Endocarditis: JACC Focus Seminar 4/4.

This focused review highlights the latest issues in native valve infective endocarditis. Native valve disease moderately increases the risk of developing infective endocarditis. In 2023, new diagnostic criteria were published by the Duke-International Society of Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases group. New pathogens were designated as typical, and findings on computed tomography imaging were included as diagnostic criteria. It is now recognized that a multidisciplinary approach to care is vital, and the role of an "endocarditis team" is highlighted. Recent studies have suggested that a transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics in selected patients may be reasonable, and the role of long-acting antibiotics is discussed. It is also now clear that an aggressive surgical approach can be life-saving in some patients. Finally, results of several recent studies have suggested there is an association between dental and other invasive procedures and an increased risk of developing infective endocarditis. Moreover, data indicate that antibiotic prophylaxis may be effective in some scenarios.