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Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter
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Published on: June 15, 2015

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Infective Endocarditis Associated with Atrial Septal Defect in an Intravenous Drug Abuser: A Case Report

Maha Jahangir1, Marrium Nawaz2, Fareha Jabbar2

  • 1Dow Medical College, Civil Hospital Karachi, Karachi, PAK.

Cureus
|June 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Infective endocarditis (IE) can present atypically in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery and preventing reinfection, especially in those with a history of intravenous drug abuse (IVDA).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease, typically posing a low risk for infective endocarditis (IE) due to slow shunt flow.
  • Intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) is a significant risk factor for IE, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • This case report details an atypical presentation of IE in an adult patient with an existing ASD.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed using modified Duke criteria, with blood cultures positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Findings:

  • The patient received a six-week course of antibiotic therapy for IE, achieving full recovery.
  • The patient subsequently underwent surgical closure of the atrial septal defect.

Implications:

  • Infective endocarditis should be considered in ASD patients, even with a low-risk profile, necessitating a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis.
  • Prompt antibiotic treatment and comprehensive follow-up, including rehabilitation for IVDA history, are vital for successful outcomes and preventing recurrent infections.

Keywords:
atrial septal defect (asd)blood cultureinfective endocarditis (ie)intravenous drug abuse (ivda)methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa)

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