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Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
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Infected Right Ventricle Thrombus as a Cause of Persistent Sepsis
Antony J Arumairaj1, Noella Boma1, Savi Mushiyev2
1Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Cureus
|November 5, 2020
Summary
Fever in intravenous (IV) drug users presents diagnostic challenges. This case highlights an infected right ventricular (RV) thrombus causing persistent sepsis, successfully treated with surgical thrombus removal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Fever in patients with active intravenous (IV) drug use is complex due to diverse infectious and noninfectious causes.
- Identifying the specific etiology of fever in this population requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old patient with a history of IV drug use presented with persistent fever and sepsis.
- The patient exhibited ongoing bacteremia despite appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- A rare case of an infected right ventricular (RV) thrombus was identified as the source of persistent fever and bacteremia.
- Cardiothoracic surgical excision of the infected RV thrombus led to significant clinical improvement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual cardiac complications in IV drug users with unexplained fevers.
- Early surgical intervention for infected RV thrombi can be crucial for resolving persistent sepsis and bacteremia.
Keywords:
cocaineinfected cardiac thrombusintravenous drug usermssa bacteremiasepsissurgical resectionMore Related Videos
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