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Corynebacterium jeikeium native valve endocarditis following femoral access for coronary angiography
M J Ross1, G Sakoulas, W J Manning
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadephia, PA, USA.
Insights
This case highlights rapidly fatal aortic valve endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium jeikeium. Repeated femoral vascular access for coronary angiography led to this rare infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Native aortic valve endocarditis is a severe infection requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Corynebacterium jeikeium is an opportunistic pathogen typically associated with immunocompromised patients or indwelling devices.
- Femoral vascular access is a common procedure in cardiology, carrying inherent risks of complications.
Observation:
- A unique case of rapidly fatal native aortic-valve endocarditis is described.
- The causative organism was identified as Corynebacterium jeikeium.
- Inoculation of the aortic valve occurred as a complication of repeated femoral vascular access for coronary angiography.
Findings:
- Corynebacterium jeikeium can cause fulminant native valve endocarditis.
- Repeated femoral arterial access can serve as an inoculation site for bloodstream infections leading to endocarditis.
- This case underscores the potential for severe infectious complications from routine cardiovascular procedures.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for unusual pathogens like Corynebacterium jeikeium in endocarditis, especially with a history of vascular access.
- Careful consideration of procedural risks and benefits is warranted in patients undergoing repeated vascular interventions.
- This case emphasizes the importance of sterile techniques and vigilance for infectious complications following invasive cardiovascular procedures.
Abstract:
We present a unique case of rapidly fatal native aortic-valve endocarditis due to Corynebacterium jeikeium, with inoculation as a complication of repeated femoral vascular access for coronary angiography.