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[Acute embolic myocardial infarction complicating bioprosthetic stentless aortic valve endocarditis]

Gabriella Brambilla1, Maurizio Ferratini, Joanna Heyman

  • 1U.O. di Cardiologia Riabilitativa Fondazione Don Gnocchi ONLUS Via Capecelatro, 66 20148 Milano. cardiologia@dongnocchi.it

Italian Heart Journal. Supplement : Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology
|October 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus epidermidis caused endocarditis in a patient with a bioprosthetic aortic valve, leading to coronary artery occlusion and myocardial infarction. Treatment involved medical, interventional, and surgical approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Bioprosthetic aortic valve endocarditis is a rare but serious complication following valve replacement surgery.
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections, including endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A female patient with prior mitral and aortic valve replacement developed endocarditis on her bioprosthetic stentless aortic valve.
  • The endocarditis resulted in septic emboli causing left main coronary artery occlusion.
  • This led to myocardial infarction and subsequent cardiogenic shock.

Findings:

  • The case highlights the complex management of prosthetic valve endocarditis with coronary artery complications.
  • Successful treatment required a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, interventional, and surgical interventions.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of prosthetic valve endocarditis.
  • It emphasizes the need for a coordinated strategy to address life-threatening complications like coronary artery occlusion and cardiogenic shock.

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