Infective Endocarditis and Aortic Valve Abscess in an Infant

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Kristy A Williamson1, Sabrina Gmuca, Eliyahu C Rosman

  • 1From the *Department of Pediatrics, NSLIJ-Cohen Children's Medical Center of NY, New Hyde Park; and †NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|September 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Infective endocarditis is rare in children, especially without congenital heart disease. This case highlights a serious complication: an aortic root abscess leading to heart failure in an infant.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis (IE) is uncommon in children but carries significant risks.
  • Congenital heart conditions are primary risk factors for pediatric IE.
  • Endocardial abscess is a rare but severe complication of IE.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 23-month-old infant presented with acute illness after pneumococcal bacteremia.
  • The infant had no known congenital heart disease.
  • Clinical presentation included congestive heart failure without fever.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of infective endocarditis was established.
  • An aortic root abscess was identified as a complication.
  • The abscess contributed to the development of congestive heart failure.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering IE in febrile infants with bacteremia, even without known heart defects.
  • Prompt recognition and management of IE and its complications, like abscesses, are crucial in pediatric patients.
  • The occurrence of IE and abscess in a healthy infant highlights potential diagnostic challenges and the need for vigilance.

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