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Published on: September 20, 2018
[Recurrent infective endocarditis. A case report]
1Service de cardiologie et maladies vasculaires, hôpital d'instruction des armées Sainte-Anne, boulevard Sainte-Anne, Armées, France. raphael.poyet@caramail.com
Abstract:
We report the case of a 63-year old patient presenting five infective endocarditis (IE) in a 13-years period, with different types of streptococcus. No entrance way had been found until the last relapse occurring on mitro-aortic bioprosthesis. This recurrence leads to the diagnosis of caecal adenocarcinoma by coloscopy, preceded and guided by PET scanner. It seems to be the initial entrance way which had been unrecognized because of its small size and its particular location, that is very difficult to observe by coloscopy. Recurrent streptococcus IE are rare and severe. When a gut or colic tumor is suspected, PET scan seems to be helpful in etiological survey.
Insights
Recurrent infective endocarditis (IE) cases linked to an undetected caecal adenocarcinoma highlight the importance of advanced imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans aid in diagnosing rare IE causes, especially when conventional methods fail.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent infective endocarditis (IE) is uncommon and associated with significant morbidity.
- Identifying the source of recurrent IE, or the 'entrance way,' is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old patient experienced five episodes of streptococcus IE over 13 years.
- The source of infection remained elusive until the final relapse, which occurred on a mitro-aortic bioprosthesis.
Findings:
- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan guided a coloscopy, revealing a caecal adenocarcinoma.
- This previously undetected tumor, small and difficult to visualize, was identified as the likely source of recurrent IE.
Implications:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be valuable in the etiological investigation of recurrent IE, particularly when a gastrointestinal malignancy is suspected.
- Early detection of occult gastrointestinal tumors is vital in managing complex IE cases.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Pericarditis I: Introduction
