[Fatal infectious endocarditis in a patient with annulo-aortic ectasia and predominant bicuspid valve aortic...

A 25 year old female with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic stenosis developed infectious endocarditis due to beta hemolytic streptococcus. Specific antibiotic therapy was not successful, the patient developed multiple embolic episodes and platelet dysfunction that prevented surgery. The patient died 5 weeks after admission. Necropsy showed aortic annulo-ectasia, cystic medial necrosis and localized dissection of the proximal aorta. There were multiple aortic valve vegetations and evidence of inflammatory myocardial involvement, coronary embolization and myocardial infarction. Aortic annulo-ectasia should be investigated in patients with aortic valve endocarditis and early surgery would be advised to prevent aortic dissection.