[Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with large vegetation and emboli: report of a case]

A 12-year-old boy with infective endocarditis caused by staphylococcus aureus is reported. The patient suffered from intermittent high fever for 10 days. Physical examination revealed a grade II/VI systolic murmur at apex, conjunctival petechiae, and Janeway lesions over palms and soles. Three sets of blood culture were done immediately, and staphylococcus aureus was grown from all. Echocardiograms showed an increased thickness of anterior mitral leaflet, and a vegetation with 2.2 cm in diameter was found in left atrium. Aortograms revealed total occlusion of abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery. Emergent operation of abdominal aorta was done, a bacterial embolus was taken out, measuring 5-6 cm in length. Seven days after operation, cerebral hemorrhage occurred, and the patient expired 8 more days later.