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A postoperative Gerbode defect in aortic prosthesis endocarditis with non-typhoid Salmonella
Hagen Gorki1, Didier F Loulmet, Klaus D Lessnau
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, USA. hgorki@aol.com
The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|June 30, 2009
Summary
The Gerbode defect, a left ventricle to right atrium shunt, can be congenital or acquired. This case highlights an acquired defect linked to aortic prosthetic endocarditis from Salmonella.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The Gerbode defect is an abnormal connection between the left ventricle and the right atrium.
- It can be congenital (Type I or Type II) or acquired due to various conditions.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with a postoperative Gerbode defect.
- This defect was associated with aortic prosthetic endocarditis.
Findings:
- The endocarditis was caused by non-typhoid Salmonella.
- This case illustrates an acquired Gerbode defect in a complex clinical scenario.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering acquired Gerbode defects in patients with prosthetic valves and endocarditis.
- Underscores the potential for unusual pathogens like Salmonella to cause severe cardiac complications.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of prosthetic valve endocarditis to prevent complications such as shunts.
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