[Right ventricular mural endocarditis: description of a case].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Intravenous drug abuse is a significant risk factor for infective endocarditis.
• Mural vegetations in infective endocarditis typically occur on heart valves.
• Right ventricular masses can present diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug abuse presented with dyspnea, fever, and chest pain.
• Imaging revealed a mobile mass in the right ventricle, originating from the moderator band.
• Blood cultures identified Staphylococcus hominis.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis with a mural vegetation, notably without valvular lesions.
• Treatment with specific antibiotics resulted in the complete disappearance of the right ventricular mass within three weeks.
• This case highlights an uncommon presentation of infective endocarditis.

Implications:

• Infective endocarditis can manifest as mural vegetations even without underlying valvular disease.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of imaging, microbiology, and careful clinical evaluation.
• Prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial for successful management and resolution of cardiac masses in infective endocarditis.