Amnesia as a presenting symptom in subacute bacterial endocarditis.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|July 1, 1986
Summary
A woman
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms can manifest in SBE, though amnesia is rare.
- Viridans streptococcus is a common cause of SBE.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old woman presented with an unusual form of amnesia.
- Her amnesia was a prominent and atypical symptom.
Findings:
- The patient's amnesia resolved completely following treatment.
- Treatment involved intravenous penicillin for SBE caused by viridans streptococcus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations of SBE.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of SBE are crucial for neurological recovery.
- Atypical amnesia can be a presenting symptom of infective endocarditis.
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