Infective endocarditis, embolic stroke and splenic abscess: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Aortic valve endocarditis is a serious infection that can lead to systemic complications.
• Embolic stroke is a critical neurological event often resulting from cardiac sources.
• Splenic abscesses are uncommon but severe intra-abdominal infections.

Observation:

• The patient presented with an embolic stroke, a known complication of infective endocarditis.
• A concurrent splenic abscess was identified, indicating widespread infection.
• The aortic valve showed signs of endocarditis, likely the source of emboli.

Findings:

• Emergent aortic valve replacement was performed to address the source of infection and prevent further embolic events.
• A delayed, robotic-assisted splenectomy was successfully carried out to manage the splenic abscess.
• The patient experienced a favorable outcome with resolution of both stroke and abscess.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and multi-faceted treatment for complex endocarditis.
• The successful use of robotic surgery for splenectomy in this context demonstrates its utility in managing intra-abdominal complications.
• Aggressive management of infective endocarditis can prevent devastating neurological and systemic sequelae.