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Bartonella endocarditis complicating congenital heart disease
Nawwar Al-Attar1, Raymond Ruimy, Franck Baron
1Bichat Hospital, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, Paris, 75018, France.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Bartonella henselae endocarditis occurred in a teenager with congenital heart disease. Diagnosis was confirmed using PCR and gene sequencing of aortic valve tissue, leading to successful surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bartonella henselae is a bacterium known to cause cat-scratch disease.
- Endocarditis, an infection of the heart's inner lining, can be life-threatening.
- Congenital heart disease presents unique challenges in managing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of Bartonella henselae endocarditis in an adolescent with congenital heart disease.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and successful treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involved direct PCR amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of aortic valve tissue.
- Blood cultures were initially negative.
- Confirmation was achieved through valve culture isolate after 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Bartonella henselae was identified as the causative agent of aortic endocarditis.
- The patient underwent successful aortic valve replacement (Ross-Konno operation).
Conclusions:
- Bartonella henselae should be considered in cases of endocarditis, especially in patients with relevant exposure history.
- Advanced molecular techniques are crucial for diagnosing culture-negative endocarditis.
- Surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes in complex cases.
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