Mitral valve endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report

Marija Polovina1, Tatjana Potpara, Ivana Milošević

  • 1Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia. maki.marijapolovina@gmail.com.

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis is shifting towards left-sided infections, posing higher risks. This case highlights successful treatment of a complex mitral valve infection in a high-risk patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) endocarditis traditionally affects the right side of the heart with a favorable prognosis.
  • Recent trends indicate a rise in nosocomial PA endocarditis, with increased involvement of left-sided valves (aortic and mitral).
  • Left-sided PA endocarditis is uncommon but associated with severe complications and elevated mortality.

Observation:

  • A high-risk patient with coronary artery disease and left-ventricular dysfunction presented with mitral valve endocarditis.
  • The infection was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Complications included splenic abscess formation.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mitral valve endocarditis was achieved in a complex patient.
  • The treatment strategy effectively managed both the valvular infection and the splenic abscess.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the evolving clinical landscape of PA endocarditis, emphasizing the need for vigilance in left-sided infections.
  • Successful management in high-risk individuals suggests that aggressive treatment strategies can overcome significant complications.
  • Further research into optimal therapeutic approaches for complex left-sided PA endocarditis is warranted.

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