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Native valve endocarditis with aorta-to-left atrial fistula due to Corynebacterium amycolatum
C Daniëls1, D Schoors, G Van Camp
1Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
Infective endocarditis remains a pathology with a high rate of complications and mortality. One of the most dramatic complications is abscess formation. A rare evolution of abscess formation is the development of fistula. We describe an 88-year-old woman with an aortic root abscess and aorta-to-left atrial fistula. To our knowledge this has only been described with streptococcus species as causative micro-organism. In this case the abscess was caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum, which is an infrequently found micro-organism.
Insights
Infective endocarditis can lead to aortic root abscesses and fistulas. This case highlights a rare fistula caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum, an unusual pathogen for this severe complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Abscess formation is a severe complication, with fistula development being exceedingly rare.
- Aortic root abscesses and fistulas pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A rare case of an 88-year-old female patient presenting with an aortic root abscess and an aorta-to-left atrial fistula.
- The causative microorganism identified was Corynebacterium amycolatum.
- This organism is infrequently implicated in infective endocarditis, particularly with such complex manifestations.
Findings:
- The patient developed a complex cardiac fistula secondary to an aortic root abscess.
- Corynebacterium amycolatum was identified as the etiological agent, a rare finding in this context.
- This represents a unique presentation of infective endocarditis with a rare pathogen causing a rare complication.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of microorganisms known to cause aortic root abscesses and fistulas.
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in complex infective endocarditis cases.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antimicrobial therapy for severe endocarditis complications.