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Cerebral ischemia caused by Streptococcus bovis aortic endocarditis: case report

Leopoldo Santos-Neto1, Camila Gangoni, Viviane Pereira

  • 1Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil. leoneto@uninet.com.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights rare cerebral ischemia from Streptococcus bovis endocarditis. Hemianopsia preceded diagnosis, emphasizing the need for early recognition of this serious complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis is uncommon.
  • Cerebral ischemic events are rare complications of S. bovis endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A 50-year-old man presented with frontal, parietal, and occipital lobe cerebral ischemia.
  • Hemianopsia was the initial symptom, preceding the diagnosis of S. bovis endocarditis.
  • Clinical presentation initially suggested systemic vasculitis.

Findings:

  • Vegetating lesions were identified on the aortic valve.
  • Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Streptococcus bovis.
  • Antibiotic therapy and aortic valve replacement successfully treated the infection and prevented further thromboembolic events.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of rare neurological manifestations of S. bovis endocarditis.
  • Early recognition of symptoms like hemianopsia is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • The absence of mucosal lesions in this case suggests alternative, yet to be identified, portals of entry for S. bovis.

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