Streptococcus intermedius Brain Abscess with Lung Abscess and Aortic Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report and Literature

Francesca Gavaruzzi1, Pierangelo Chinello1, Giuseppe Cucinotta1

  • 1National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", 00149 Rome, Italy.

PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus intermedius rarely causes lung and brain abscesses simultaneously. This case highlights a rare instance of these infections alongside infective endocarditis, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus intermedius commonly causes abscesses in the brain and liver.
  • Pleuropulmonary infections are less common, and concurrent lung and brain abscesses are rare.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old male presented with cough, fever, and headache.
  • Diagnosis revealed a brain abscess caused by S. intermedius, a concurrent lung abscess, and native aortic valve endocarditis.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment involved surgical drainage of the brain abscess.
  • A 4-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate achieved lesion healing.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering S. intermedius in complex abscess presentations.
  • Highlights the successful management of a rare triad of S. intermedius infections.
  • Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and multimodal treatment for such severe infections.

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
12
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
8
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
14
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
16
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
13
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
12