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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
[Valve Replacement for Infective Endocarditis of Pulmonary Valve;Report of a Case]
Azuma Tabayashi1, Tatsuhiko Komiya, Hiroshi Tsuneyoshi
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.
Abstract:
Generally, infective endocarditis is found at the left side of the heart. The right side infective endocaritis accounts for only 5~10% of all cases of infective endocarditis. The right side infective endocarditis occurs especially among drug users employing intravenous injection. A typical site of infection is the tricupid valve, and isolated pulmonary valve involvement is rare. It is assumed that its rarity is due to the low pressure gradients within the right heart, the low prevalence of valve disease, and the lower oxygen content of the venous blood. We describe a case of isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis requiring valve replacement. Antibiotic therapy was conducted for 4 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery. Clinical course was favorable and the patent was discharged home 18 days after surgery.
Insights
Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis is a rare condition, often seen in intravenous drug users. This case highlights successful surgical valve replacement and antibiotic treatment for this uncommon form of infective endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) predominantly affects the left heart.
- Right-sided IE accounts for only 5-10% of cases, often linked to intravenous drug use.
- Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- The study presents a rare case of isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis.
- The patient required surgical valve replacement.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered pre- and post-operatively.
Findings:
- Successful valve replacement and a 6-week antibiotic course led to a favorable clinical outcome.
- The patient was discharged 18 days after surgery.
- This case underscores the possibility of isolated pulmonary valve involvement in IE.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare presentations of infective endocarditis.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of combined surgical and antibiotic management for isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis.
- Contributes to understanding the management of right-sided heart valve infections.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

