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Infective Endocarditis in Pregnancy Diagnosed Early Based on Elevated D-Dimer Levels: A Case Report
Kazuki Yamano1, Akira Kitano1, Fumika Hamaguchi1
1Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagahama Red Cross Hospital, Nagahama, JPN.
Cureus
|July 8, 2024
Summary
Early diagnosis of infective endocarditis in pregnancy is possible with blood cultures. This case highlights their utility in pregnant patients with clinical chorioamnionitis and elevated D-dimer levels.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Clinical chorioamnionitis and elevated D-dimer levels in pregnancy can present diagnostic challenges.
- Infective endocarditis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes of elevated inflammatory markers is crucial.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient presented with fever, clinical chorioamnionitis, and elevated D-dimer levels.
- Emergency cesarean section was performed due to non-reassuring fetal status.
- Maternal blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, and echocardiography revealed aortic valve vegetation.
Findings:
- Blood cultures facilitated the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis in a pregnant patient.
- Elevated D-dimer levels, often associated with thromboembolism, were present in this case of endocarditis.
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the causative agent of infective endocarditis.
Implications:
- Blood cultures are valuable for diagnosing sepsis and infective endocarditis in pregnant patients with clinical chorioamnionitis and elevated D-dimer.
- This case underscores the importance of considering infective endocarditis in the differential diagnosis of pregnant patients with these clinical findings.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis during pregnancy can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
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