Related Experiment Videos
Infective endocarditis in a collegiate wrestler.
C L May1, J P Hodde, S F Badylak
1Cecilia L. May is Physician of Internal Medicine in Layfayette.
Journal of Athletic Training
|June 1, 1995
Summary
A young wrestler experienced severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis. Prompt treatment with antibiotics led to a full recovery and return to sports within 15 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of serious infections.
- Infective endocarditis is a critical cardiac infection often requiring prolonged treatment.
- Athletes may be at risk for certain infections due to intense physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of infective endocarditis in a collegiate athlete.
- To highlight the diagnostic process and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis.
- To discuss the recovery timeline and return to sport after treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 21-year-old collegiate wrestler.
- Diagnostic workup included blood cultures, computed tomography (CT) scan, and two-dimensional echocardiogram.
- Treatment involved hospitalization, parenteral antibiotics, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Blood cultures identified Staphylococcus aureus.
- Imaging confirmed infective endocarditis.
- The patient completed a 28-day course of antibiotics and recovered fully.
- Full return to wrestling participation was achieved after 15 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus can cause severe infective endocarditis even in young athletes.
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Athletes can typically return to sport after successful management of infective endocarditis.