Related Experiment Videos
Combined brucella melitensis and streptococcal viridans endocarditis
Tarig S Al-Khuwaitir1, Bashir A Wani, Suphia M Sherbeeni
1Department of Medicine, Riyadh Medical Complex, PO Box 3847, Riyadh 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. tsa@naseej.com.sa
Saudi Medical Journal
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Infectious endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart lining, can be fatal. This case highlights combined Brucella and Streptococcus endocarditis, successfully treated with antibiotics and valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infectious endocarditis is a severe inflammation of the heart's inner lining caused by microbial invasion.
- Mortality rates escalate with left-sided heart involvement and higher microbial loads.
- Microorganisms can originate from endogenous flora or environmental exposure.
Observation:
- Fever and heart murmurs are key clinical signs, often accompanied by peripheral manifestations of systemic microbial dissemination.
- Diagnosis relies on echocardiography and sensitive blood cultures.
- A case of rheumatic heart disease presented with combined Brucella melitensis and Streptococcus viridans endocarditis, complicated by heart failure and aortic root abscess.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was established through prolonged fever, occupational history (shepherd), heart murmurs, positive blood cultures, and echocardiographic evidence of aortic vegetations.
- The patient demonstrated an excellent response to a treatment regimen.
- Combined intravenous antibiotic therapy and aortic valve replacement were employed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering combined infections in endocarditis, especially with specific risk factors.
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgical intervention when necessary, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Aortic valve replacement is considered a safe and effective approach for aortic valve endocarditis.