Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Postpartum Endocarditis and Left Main Embolization
Negar Atefi1, Carly Lodewyks2, Zubair Luqman2
1Section of Cardiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Postpartum infective endocarditis is a rare disease, especially in people with no risk factors (ie, intravenous drug use), that can be followed by severe morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a case of postpartum infective endocarditis with an unusual acute coronary syndrome-like presentation in a patient with minimal risk factors. In addition to lesions on the aortic valve causing severe aortic insufficiency, the patient's case was also complicated by left main coronary artery embolization, which was subsequently aspirated during surgery. Repeat angiography demonstrated complete removal, with no evidence of downstream embolization.
Postpartum infective endocarditis is a rare disease, especially in people with no risk factors (ie, intravenous drug use), that can be followed by severe morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a case of postpartum infective endocarditis with an unusual acute coronary syndrome-like presentation in a patient with minimal risk factors. In addition to lesions on the aortic valve causing severe aortic insufficiency, the patient's case was also complicated by left main coronary artery embolization, which was subsequently aspirated during surgery. Repeat angiography demonstrated complete removal, with no evidence of downstream embolization.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

