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Bacterial endocarditis masked by COVID-19: A case report.
Mircea Bajdechi1, Nicoleta Dorina Vlad1, Mirela Dumitrascu2
1Doctoral School of Medicine, 'Ovidius' University, 900470 Constanta, Romania.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to rare but fatal infective endocarditis, complicating patient management. This case highlights challenges in diagnosing and treating this dual infection, especially in specialized hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Infective endocarditis is a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Symptoms of infective endocarditis can be masked by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
- Managing co-infected patients is challenging, particularly in hospitals with limited cardiac care access.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity) was admitted for SARS-CoV-2.
- Her condition deteriorated on day 14 with the development of Enterococcus faecium infective endocarditis.
- The patient experienced a fulminant clinical course despite treatment.
Findings:
- Enterococcus faecium infective endocarditis developed in a SARS-CoV-2 patient.
- The case illustrates diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in managing co-infections.
- Comorbidities associated with COVID-19 increase mortality risk.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for heightened vigilance for non-respiratory complications in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
- Underscores the importance of integrated care and accessible cardiological diagnostics in infectious disease settings.
- Emphasizes the increased mortality associated with COVID-19 and co-existing conditions.
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