Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
08:25
Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
9.3K
Extensive right-sided infectious endocarditis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Patrícia Rocha1, Pedro Fernandes Rodrigues1, Ana Lima Silva2
1Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave EPE, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 12, 2021
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae rarely causes infectious endocarditis, often leading to aggressive illness. This case highlights a successful treatment of a 36-year-old man with ventricular septal defect and pneumococcal endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Infectious endocarditis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is uncommon.
- Cases typically present with acute, aggressive disease and high mortality rates.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old male with unrepaired ventricular septal defect presented with a 3-month history of fever, cough, and asthenia.
- Blood cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
- Echocardiography revealed large vegetations on the right ventricle.
- Thoracic CT identified septic pulmonary embolism.
Findings:
- Successful treatment involved antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention.
- The patient experienced a favorable clinical outcome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens in endocarditis.
- Prompt diagnosis and combined medical-surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in complex cases.
- Highlights the potential for Streptococcus pneumoniae to cause subacute, severe endocarditis in patients with congenital heart defects.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
111
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
111
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
72
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
72
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
111
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
111
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
71
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
71
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
143
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
143
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
548
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
548