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Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Rat
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Ruptured myocardial abscess causing left ventricle to pulmonary artery communication in an infant with

Jared A Hershenson1, Peter B Baker, Daniel G Rowland

  • 1Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. jared.hershenson@nationwidechildrens.org

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|August 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of myocardial abscess perforation in an infant, caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, led to fatal embolic complications. This highlights a unique presentation of infective endocarditis in a pediatric patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis can lead to rare but severe complications.
  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) bacteremia is a growing concern in pediatric populations.

Observation:

  • A 12-month-old infant with CA-MRSA bacteremia developed a myocardial abscess in the interventricular septum.
  • The abscess ruptured, forming a left ventricle to pulmonary artery fistula.

Findings:

  • The infant experienced septic emboli to the brain and lungs.
  • Myocardial abscess perforation is an extremely rare complication, with no prior reported cases in this specific location, age group, or etiology.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for devastating complications from CA-MRSA infections in infants.
  • Highlights the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing infective endocarditis and its sequelae in pediatric patients.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering rare cardiac complications in severe bacteremic infections.

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