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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Patch Angioplasty in the Rat Aorta or Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: February 27, 2017
Ventricular patch endocarditis caused by Propionibacterium acnes: advantages of gallium scanning
F Vandenbos1, P M Roger, V Mondain-Miton
1Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales - Hôpital de l'Archet 1 CHU Nice, France. vandenbosf@aol.com
Abstract:
Propionibacterium acnes is a weakly pathogenic commensal of the skin. When isolated from blood cultures it is often considered a contaminant. However, P. acnes may be responsible for severe infections and its role in certain cases of infectious endocarditis has now been definitely established.(1) We report a case of endocarditis due to P. acnes stemming from a ventricular patch and revealed by a gallium 67 scan.
Insights
Propionibacterium acnes, often a skin contaminant, can cause severe infections. This case confirms its role in endocarditis, originating from a ventricular patch and detected via gallium 67 scan.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Propionibacterium acnes is a common skin commensal, frequently dismissed as a blood culture contaminant.
- While typically benign, P. acnes has been implicated in severe infections.
- Its definitive role in infectious endocarditis has been a subject of ongoing investigation.
Observation:
- A case of endocarditis was identified.
- The infection originated from a ventricular patch.
- Gallium 67 scintigraphy was utilized for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Propionibacterium acnes was confirmed as the causative agent of endocarditis.
- The ventricular patch served as the source of the P. acnes infection.
- Gallium 67 imaging effectively revealed the extent of the infection.
Implications:
- This case establishes P. acnes as a pathogen capable of causing serious cardiac infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering P. acnes in cases of endocarditis, especially with prosthetic material involvement.
- Suggests gallium 67 scanning as a valuable diagnostic tool for P. acnes endocarditis.
