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Published on: February 9, 2011
Fatal Staphylococcus Aureus Endocarditis Misdiagnosed as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Ana Peña-Moreno1, Laura Torres-Soblechero1, María López-Blázquez2
1From the Pediatrics Department.
Insights
A child with Staphylococcus aureus mitral endocarditis was misdiagnosed as multisystem inflammatory syndrome. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and fatal brain hemorrhage post-cardiac intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus mitral endocarditis can present with complex symptoms.
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (MIS-C) shares overlapping clinical features.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male presented with symptoms initially suggestive of MIS-C.
- The patient was diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus mitral endocarditis.
- Cardiac intervention was followed by a fatal brain hemorrhage.
Findings:
- This case contrasts with studies where microbleeds did not elevate hemorrhagic stroke or mortality risk.
- The initial misdiagnosis potentially delayed appropriate treatment for infective endocarditis.
Implications:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of infective endocarditis is critical in pediatric patients.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for bacterial endocarditis even with MIS-C prevalence.
- Understanding risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage in endocarditis patients is crucial.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 10-year-old male with Staphylococcus aureus mitral endocarditis who was initially misdiagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019, with eventual fatal outcome due to brain hemorrhage after cardiac intervention. Our case differs from recent studies, in which microbleeds did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke or global mortality risk.
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