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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
11:04
Isolation of Valvular Endothelial Cells
Published on: December 29, 2010
Isolated native tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by viridans streptococcus
J Swiston1, S D Shafran, N Kassam
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Summary
This report details a rare case of native tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by viridans group streptococcus following dental extraction. It highlights an unusual presentation in a patient without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Native valve endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart valves.
- Viridans group streptococci are common causes of infective endocarditis, often associated with dental procedures.
- Tricuspid valve endocarditis is less common than left-sided endocarditis, particularly in patients without traditional risk factors.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of endocarditis.
- The patient had recently undergone a dental extraction.
- He had no history of intravenous drug use, pre-existing heart disease, or cardiac catheterization.
Findings:
- Blood cultures identified viridans group streptococcus as the causative agent.
- Infective endocarditis was confirmed, specifically involving the native tricuspid valve.
- This represents the first reported case of viridans group streptococcal endocarditis solely affecting the tricuspid valve subsequent to dental manipulation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering viridans group streptococcal endocarditis after dental procedures, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
- It highlights the potential for unusual presentations of infective endocarditis involving the tricuspid valve.
- Further vigilance in dental and cardiology settings may be warranted for early diagnosis and treatment.
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