Diagnosis of E. coli tricuspid valve endocarditis: a case report

Escherichia coli is a rare cause of bacterial endocarditis. We report a case of an elderly man with cirrhosis who developed bacterial endocarditis due to E.coli. We review the literature that summarizes a total of 41 cases, with a predominance of elderly women, diabetics, and patients with urinary tract infections and prosthetic heart valves. E.coli bacteremia may be mistakenly attributed to a more benign source such as urosepsis and overlooked as an indication of endocarditis. A delay in diagnosis may lead to higher mortality as the opportunity for early valve replacement in appropriate cases and more prolonged courses of antibiotics may not be considered.