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Replacement of the mitral valve in an infant with group B streptococcal endocarditis
T A Walker1, G M Aru, M R Ebeid
1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA. twalker@ped.umsmed.edu
Insights
Group B Streptococcus endocarditis is rare in infants. Successful treatment was achieved in an infant with a normal heart via mitral valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) endocarditis is a rare but serious condition in infants.
- Infant endocarditis, particularly with GBS, is associated with high morbidity and mortality.
- Literature review identified only one prior case of GBS mitral valve endocarditis in an infant, who had congenital heart disease and a fatal outcome.
Observation:
- A case of GBS endocarditis in an infant with a structurally normal heart is presented.
- The infant presented with endocarditis involving the mitral valve.
Findings:
- The infant with GBS endocarditis and a structurally normal heart was successfully treated.
- Treatment involved surgical replacement of the mitral valve.
Implications:
- This case highlights that GBS endocarditis can occur in infants without congenital heart disease.
- Successful surgical intervention, such as mitral valve replacement, offers a viable treatment option for GBS endocarditis in infants with normal cardiac structures.
- Early diagnosis and prompt surgical management are crucial for improving outcomes in this rare condition.
Abstract:
Endocarditis due to group B streptococcus is very rare in infants, and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Review of the literature reveals only a single reported case of an infant with this type of streptococcal endocarditis involving the mitral valve. This infant had underlying congenital heart disease, and died shortly after catheterization. We now report group B streptococcal endocarditis occurring in an infant with a structurally normal heart who was treated successfully by replacement of the mitral valve.
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