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Unrecognized Cause of Native Valve Infective Endocarditis Due to Staphylococcus aureus: Laser Hair Removal
Kazunori Seo1,2,3, Yuji Okazaki1, Kyungko Huh1
1Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN.
Cureus
|July 22, 2024
Summary
Laser hair removal may pose a risk for developing infective endocarditis (IE), a serious heart valve infection. This case report suggests a potential link between the procedure and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, emphasizing the need for increased awareness in at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure globally.
- Severe complications are rare, but potential risks are being investigated.
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart valves.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female with atopic dermatitis developed fever and arthralgia after 9 months of total body laser hair removal.
- She presented with purpuras, elevated troponin, and ECG changes suggestive of myocardial infarction.
- Echocardiography revealed mitral valve abnormalities.
Findings:
- Blood cultures identified methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
- The patient was diagnosed with native valve staphylococcal IE and acute myocardial infarction secondary to septic embolism.
- She successfully recovered after mitral valve replacement and antibiotics.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between laser hair removal and Staphylococcus aureus IE.
- Laser hair removal might compromise the skin barrier, facilitating bacterial entry.
- Further research is needed to explore the link between laser hair removal, bacteremia, and IE prevention, especially in high-risk groups.
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