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We Found a Gem in Your Heart: Valvular Heart Disease and Infective Endocarditis Discovered
Roy Lim1, Justin Barimayena1, Kelsie-Ann Mita2
1Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, USA.
Insights
This study presents a rare case of Gemella morbillorum infective endocarditis. Early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing this serious valvular heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Valvular heart disease (VHD) involves impaired heart valve function, leading to blood flow issues.
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious VHD complication caused by microorganisms on heart valves, often leading to thromboembolic events.
- Common IE pathogens include Staphylococci and Streptococcus; antibiotic resistance necessitates targeted treatment.
Abstract:
Valvular heart disease (VHD) occurs when there is a functional impairment in the valvular apparatus that either obstructs or regurgitates the backflow of blood. When a microorganism resides in those valves, it injures the leaflets and causes complications such as thromboembolic events. Infective endocarditis (IE), usually caused by the Staphylococci and Streptococcus group, is a disease that occurs on the heart valves. Antibiotic resistance is common; thus, culture and sensitivity testing should be done for a more targeted treatment approach. We herein present a rare case of Gemella morbillorum (G. morbillorum) vegetations found in a patient's heart that initially presented with cerebrovascular disease symptoms and underwent heart surgery in the end.
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Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
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Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

