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Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
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Cardiovascular complications of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia

Michelle M de Leau1, Remko S Kuipers2

  • 1Heart Center, department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

BMJ Case Reports
|April 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe cardiovascular complications from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia are increasing. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for these potentially lethal conditions, including endocarditis and aortitis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rising incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia globally.
  • Increased prevalence of immunocompromised patients and antibiotic resistance contributing to severe infections.
  • Cardiovascular complications of pneumococcal bacteraemia are a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe severe cardiovascular complications in three patients with pneumococcal bacteraemia.
  • To review the literature on the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of these rare complications.
  • To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and management of pneumococcal-induced cardiovascular issues.

Main Methods:

  • Case series presentation of three patients with severe cardiovascular complications.
  • Literature review focusing on incidence, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment delays.

Main Results:

  • Pneumococcal bacteraemia can lead to severe, rapidly progressing cardiovascular complications.
  • Conditions such as endocarditis and aortitis may be initially misdiagnosed or overlooked.
  • Delayed diagnosis can impede effective and timely treatment, increasing mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular complications of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia, though rare, are potentially lethal.
  • Vigilance in diagnosing endocarditis and aortitis is essential.
  • Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
heart failureinfectionsmeningitisvalvar diseasesvascular surgery

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