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An Uncommon Presentation of Aortic Endarteritis
Sofia Rito1, Joao Oliveira Dias1, Dina Rodrigues1
1Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, PRT.
Cureus
|February 19, 2024
Summary
Endocarditis, a rare complication of congenital heart disease, can present without fever. This case highlights aortic endarteritis causing stroke and seizures in a patient with aortic coarctation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Endocarditis is an uncommon complication of congenital heart disease (CHD).
- Fever is a typical but not universal symptom of endocarditis.
- Aortic coarctation is a potential risk factor for endocarditis.
Observation:
- A patient with surgically corrected Berry syndrome and residual aortic coarctation presented with seizures.
- The seizures were attributed to a hemorrhagic stroke.
- The underlying cause was identified as aortic endarteritis.
Findings:
- Aortic endarteritis can manifest with neurological symptoms, such as seizures due to cerebral hemorrhage.
- Septic microemboli from aortic endarteritis can lead to stroke.
- Fever may be absent during the initial presentation of endocarditis in patients with aortic coarctation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering endocarditis in patients with aortic coarctation presenting with neurological events, even without fever.
- Increased awareness of this infrequent presentation can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
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