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Mitral Valve Subacute Endocarditis Caused by Abiotrophia Defectiva: A Case Report
Catarina Faria1, Renato Guerreiro1, Sofia Cruz2
1Internal Medicine, Hospital São Francisco Xavier-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, 1449-005 Lisbon, Portugal.
Clinics and Practice
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Subacute endocarditis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva can present subtly, leading to delayed diagnosis. This case highlights serious complications like stroke and splenic infarction from undiagnosed infective endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Abiotrophia defectiva is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis.
- Subacute presentations of endocarditis often lead to diagnostic delays.
- Mitral valve disease and embolic events warrant investigation for underlying endocarditis.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male presented with a consumptive syndrome, microcytic anemia, new-onset mitral insufficiency, and ischemic stroke.
- Splenic infarction was identified on thoraco-abdominal computed tomography.
- Blood cultures were positive for Abiotrophia defectiva, confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Abiotrophia defectiva infective endocarditis.
- A five-month delay in diagnosis occurred due to the subacute presentation and paucity of symptoms.
- Septic emboli from undiagnosed endocarditis caused multiple embolic complications.
Implications:
- New-onset valvular disease and stroke in young patients necessitate thorough investigation for infective endocarditis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis are crucial to prevent severe complications.
- This case underscores the importance of considering endocarditis in patients with embolic phenomena and unexplained valvular disease.
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