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Published on: December 11, 2017
Haemophilus parainfluenza-Associated Aortic Root Abscess and Septic Embolic Stroke Post-transcatheter Aortic Valve
Tirumala Nischal Jasty1, Jaswanth R Jasti2, Smit Shah3
1Internal Medicine, Tower Health Medical Group, West Reading, USA.
Abstract:
We present a rare instance of aortic root abscess and septic embolic stroke due to Haemophilus parainfluenza in a 75-year-old male patient who had undergone a recent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The patient initially presented with generalized weakness and altered mental status. Blood cultures grew Haemophilus parainfluenza. Brain imaging showed multiple infarcts with some areas of hemorrhagic conversion. Echocardiography demonstrated an aortic root abscess as well as vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Surgical correction was deemed high risk; hence, management involved intravenous (IV) antibiotics, resulting in the resolution of both symptoms and the abscess.
Insights
A rare case of aortic root abscess and septic stroke caused by Haemophilus parainfluenza was observed post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Intravenous antibiotics successfully resolved the infection and abscess without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a common procedure for aortic stenosis.
- Infectious complications following TAVR, though rare, can be severe.
- Haemophilus parainfluenza is an uncommon cause of endocarditis and systemic infections.
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