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Published on: June 14, 2017
Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis and endocarditis in a patient with prosthetic mitral valve
Stephani C Wang1, Mikhail T Torosoff2, Raymond P Smith1
1Department of Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly found in cutaneous and pharyngeal infections, but rarely causes meningitis and endocarditis. We report a 77-year-old male with history of prosthetic mitral valve, presenting with meningitis and endocarditis secondary to S. pyogenes. We aim to raise awareness among clinicians of rare infectious etiology as the cause of endocarditis and meningitis, and importance of prompt diagnosis in ensuring success of medical treatment and long-term survival. <Learning objective: Main learning objectives are: (1) Rare sources of infection should be considered in setting of endocarditis and meningitis. (2) In high-risk patients, transesophageal echocardiogram is indicated although initial transthoracic echocardiogram may not show classic vegetation.>.
Insights
Streptococcus pyogenes rarely causes meningitis and endocarditis. This case highlights a prosthetic valve endocarditis and meningitis caused by S. pyogenes, emphasizing prompt diagnosis for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes typically causes cutaneous and pharyngeal infections.
- Meningitis and endocarditis are rare complications of S. pyogenes infections.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male with a prosthetic mitral valve presented with concurrent meningitis and endocarditis.
- The causative agent identified was Streptococcus pyogenes.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates a rare presentation of S. pyogenes leading to severe invasive infections.
- Prompt diagnosis of S. pyogenes meningitis and endocarditis is crucial for effective treatment.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider rare infectious etiologies, including S. pyogenes, in patients with endocarditis and meningitis.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is vital for diagnosing endocarditis in high-risk patients, even with non-diagnostic initial transthoracic echocardiograms.
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