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Managing embolic myocardial infarction in infective endocarditis: current options
Fida Khan1, Rashida Khakoo, Conard Failinger
1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. fkhan@hsc.wvu.edu
The Journal of Infection
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Systemic embolization from infective endocarditis can cause myocardial infarction, though rarely. This article details two cases, including the first documented instance of Lactobacillus jensenii endocarditis leading to heart attack.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Systemic embolization is a frequent complication of infective endocarditis, affecting 45-65% of patients.
- Coronary artery embolism, a specific type of embolization, is found in up to 60% of necropsy cases.
- Transmural myocardial infarction secondary to coronary embolism is an infrequent but serious outcome.
Observation:
- Presents two cases of myocardial infarction occurring in patients with acute infective endocarditis.
- Highlights the diagnostic challenges, as coronary embolism is often inferred rather than directly observed.
- Documents the first reported case of Lactobacillus jensenii endocarditis causing myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Infective endocarditis can lead to transmural myocardial infarction through coronary artery embolism.
- Lactobacillus jensenii, a rare pathogen, has been identified as a cause of endocarditis resulting in myocardial infarction.
- Discusses potential contributing factors for endocarditis caused by this specific organism.
Implications:
- Underscores the importance of considering myocardial infarction in patients with infective endocarditis, even if coronary embolism is not immediately evident.
- Provides critical insights into the management of myocardial infarction within the context of infective endocarditis.
- Expands the understanding of causative agents in infective endocarditis and their potential cardiovascular complications.