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Tricuspid valve gonococcal endocarditis: fourth case report

Sudha Akkinepally1, Elizabeth Douglass, Alejandro Moreno

  • 1University Medical Center at Brackenridge, 601 E 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA. suakkine@utmb.edu

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|November 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is rare, but can lead to severe heart valve complications. This case highlights gonococcal tricuspid valve endocarditis, a serious but infrequent manifestation of DGI.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Valvular Heart Disease

Background:

  • Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) affects 1-3% of Neisseria gonorrhoeae cases.
  • Endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of DGI, occurring in 1-2% of patients.
  • Tricuspid valve endocarditis is an exceptionally uncommon manifestation of DGI.

Observation:

  • A 53-year-old male presented with a two-month history of progressive shortness of breath.
  • The patient's symptoms were attributed to gonococcal tricuspid valve endocarditis.
  • This represents the fourth reported case of this specific cardiac complication.

Findings:

  • The case underscores the potential for Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cause severe endocarditis.
  • DGI can manifest with diverse and severe systemic complications, including cardiac involvement.
  • Early recognition and treatment of DGI are crucial to prevent advanced complications like endocarditis.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider DGI in the differential diagnosis of endocarditis, particularly in younger, sexually active individuals.
  • Increased awareness of DGI's cardiac manifestations may improve diagnostic timelines.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and management of gonococcal endocarditis is warranted.

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