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A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Streptococcus constellatus as a rare agent of endocarditis

Toshiyuki Ko1, Keitaro Mahara, Mitsuhiko Ota

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan.

Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights Streptococcus constellatus as a rare cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Early surgical intervention may be crucial for managing this aggressive infection, especially when abscesses form.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) poses significant clinical challenges.
  • Identifying rare etiological agents is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Streptococcus constellatus is an uncommon cause of endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with PVE caused by Streptococcus constellatus.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large abscess involving the aortic prosthetic valve ring and left atrium.
  • Intravenous antibiotic therapy proved insufficient to control the infection.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first report of surgical treatment for PVE caused by Streptococcus constellatus.
  • Streptococcus constellatus exhibits a high potential for abscess formation, leading to severe infections.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable tool for detecting vegetation and abscesses in PVE.

Implications:

  • Early surgical intervention may be a more appropriate therapeutic strategy for PVE caused by Streptococcus constellatus.
  • Understanding the aggressive nature of this pathogen can guide clinical management.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens in refractory endocarditis.
Keywords:
Prosthetic valve endocarditisStreptococcus constellatus

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