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Subacute bacterial endocarditis secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae
1Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, Tennessee 38104.
The American Journal of Medicine
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Subacute pneumococcal endocarditis is a rare presentation of this infection, often mimicking other conditions. Prompt medical treatment can lead to successful outcomes in these indolent cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pneumococcal endocarditis typically presents as an acute, severe condition.
- Characterized by rapid valve destruction, heart failure, and high mortality rates.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of subacute pneumococcal endocarditis.
- Patients lacked typical signs like fever, meningitis, or a clear source of infection.
Findings:
- Subacute pneumococcal endocarditis can present indolently.
- Resembles endocarditis caused by viridans streptococci.
- Both patients achieved cure with medical management.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider pneumococcal endocarditis in subacute presentations.
- This expands the differential diagnosis for endocarditis.
- Highlights the importance of timely and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.