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Subacute bacterial endocarditis secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae
1Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, Tennessee 38104.
Abstract:
Pneumococcal endocarditis characteristically presents as an acute illness, often accompanied by purulent meningitis, rapid destruction of the heart valves, congestive heart failure, and high mortality. We describe two patients with subacute pneumococcal endocarditis without a known primary source of pneumococcal bacteremia, fever, meningitis, or congestive heart failure. Both patients were cured with medical therapy. Pneumococcal endocarditis can present as an indolent illness resembling viridans streptococcal endocarditis.
Insights
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.