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Left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis
Kazuyoshi Takagi1, Hiroyuki Otsuka1, Tohru Takaseya1
1Department of Surgery, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|November 12, 2019
Summary
A rare mycotic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm complicated an 83-year-old man with endocarditis. This potentially fatal condition, caused by Enterococcus, carries a high risk of rupture, necessitating increased clinical awareness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare but life-threatening cardiac emergencies.
- Infective endocarditis, particularly with Enterococcus species, can lead to devastating complications.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male presented with a mycotic left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm and aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis.
- The patient's condition was attributed to Enterococcus species infection.
Findings:
- Mycotic left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are exceptionally uncommon cardiac pathologies.
- These pseudoaneurysms are associated with a significant risk of catastrophic rupture.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for heightened awareness of mycotic pseudoaneurysms in patients with infective endocarditis.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes in this rare but dangerous condition.
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