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Related Experiment Videos

Streptococcus viridans endocarditis from tongue piercing.

Scott D Lick1, Secil N Edozie, Kenneth J Woodside

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0528, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 18, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Body piercing, like tongue piercing, is increasingly popular. This case highlights a serious risk: infective endocarditis, a heart valve infection, following a tongue piercing, requiring surgical intervention.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Body piercing and tattooing have seen a resurgence in popularity.
  • Infective endocarditis is a serious infection affecting heart valves.

Observation:

  • A 27-year-old male presented with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve.
  • The patient had a recent tongue piercing.

Findings:

  • The tongue piercing was identified as a potential source of infection.
  • Despite antibiotic treatment, the patient developed progressive aortic insufficiency.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential infectious risks associated with body piercings.
  • Healthcare providers should consider body piercing as a potential risk factor for infective endocarditis.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for patients with suspected body-piercing-related infections.