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Eustachian Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Danna Reyes1, Gamal Musleh1, Sherif Elkattawy2
1RWJBHealth/Trinitas Regional Medical Center, USA.
Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
|October 14, 2024
Summary
Eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE), a rare form of infective endocarditis, can occur without traditional risk factors. This case highlights EVE diagnosis and management of complications like liver abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) typically affects heart valves, but rare forms like Eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE) can occur.
- EVE is a right-sided endocarditis, often linked to intravenous drug use, but can present in individuals without typical risk factors.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male with no traditional risk factors presented with lightheadedness, dyspnea, weakness, and fever.
- Diagnostic workup revealed complications including liver abscesses, pulmonary nodules, and spinal osteomyelitis.
Findings:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed EVE with multiple Eustachian valve vegetations.
- Blood cultures identified *Bacteroides fragilis* as the causative pathogen.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes considering EVE in atypical endocarditis presentations, even without risk factors.
- Effective management involved antimicrobial therapy, abscess drainage, and anticoagulation for thrombophlebitis.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare endocarditis forms.
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