Gonococcal endocarditis during pregnancy: simultaneous cesarean section and aortic valve surgery

Gonococcal endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal consequence of disseminated gonococcal infection. Presented is the first known case of culture-proved gonococcal and serratia endocarditis in pregnancy. The case was further complicated by fetal distress at 30 weeks' gestation as a result of maternal decompensation from worsening congestive heart failure secondary to rapid destruction of her aortic valve. Consequently, cardiopulmonary bypass with subsequent aortic valve replacement and implantation of a left ventriculoaortic shunt was initiated immediately after an emergency cesarean section.