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Mitral and aortic valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus lugdunensis
A Renzulli1, A Della Corte, M Torella
1The Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Second University of Naples, V. Monaldi Hospital, Italy.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis is rare but serious. This case highlights successful treatment of native valve endocarditis caused by this pathogen, leading to good long-term recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species increasingly recognized in human infections.
- Endocarditis caused by S. lugdunensis is uncommon, with fewer than 50 cases reported, often associated with high mortality and embolic complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of native mitral and aortic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis is presented.
- The bacterium was successfully isolated from cultures of aortic and mitral valve vegetations.
Findings:
- The patient received appropriate medical and surgical treatment for the S. lugdunensis endocarditis.
- A 6-year follow-up revealed no evidence of recurrence and good functional recovery, with the patient in New York Heart Association functional class I.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering S. lugdunensis in cases of native valve endocarditis.
- Successful management involving combined medical and surgical therapy can lead to favorable long-term outcomes.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for S. lugdunensis endocarditis is warranted.