Abiotrophia defectiva Endocarditis Complicated by Ventricular Tachycardia.
Kyriacos Mouyis1, Sophia Metaxa1, Constantinos Missouris1,2
1Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|December 19, 2016
Summary
Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis can cause dangerous ventricular tachycardia, especially in patients with coronary artery disease. Early monitoring in a coronary care unit is crucial for managing this rare cardiac complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Mitral regurgitation and coronary artery disease are common cardiovascular conditions.
- Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart valves.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old male presented with shortness of breath and pyrexia.
- Blood cultures identified Abiotrophia defectiva, leading to a diagnosis of mitral valve endocarditis.
- The patient developed ventricular tachycardia during antibiotic treatment for endocarditis.
Findings:
- Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis was confirmed via transesophageal echocardiography.
- Intravenous benzylpenicillin and gentamicin were administered for six weeks.
- Ventricular tachycardia occurred without ischemic pain, requiring amiodarone and inotropic support.
Implications:
- Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis can precipitate life-threatening ventricular tachycardia.
- Underlying coronary artery disease increases the risk of this complication.
- Continuous ECG monitoring in a Coronary Care Unit is recommended during initial antibiotic therapy.
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