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Updated: May 23, 2025
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Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
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Streptococcus pneumoniae-Related Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Development of Psoas and Epidural Abscesses
Fatemeh Jafari Roshan-Zamir1,2, Shantell Ceaser3, Kristy Chin4
1Neurology, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, USA.
Cureus
|March 10, 2025
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae septicemia can cause serious complications like epidural abscesses. This case highlights the importance of recognizing cardiac valve seeding
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a common upper respiratory tract pathogen.
- S. pneumoniae can cause severe infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections (septicemia).
- Septicemia from S. pneumoniae can lead to endocarditis and subsequent hematogenous spread.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with fever, disorientation, and confusion.
- Blood cultures confirmed S. pneumoniae septicemia.
- Imaging revealed mitral valve vegetation, an epidural abscess (L2-L4), osteomyelitis, and a psoas abscess.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with IV Ceftriaxone and Vancomycin.
- A laminectomy was performed for the epidural abscess.
- The patient completed six weeks of antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe complications of S. pneumoniae infective endocarditis.
- Hematogenous spread from cardiac valve seeding can lead to epidural abscesses.
- Timely diagnosis is critical for managing S. pneumoniae-related epidural abscesses, which can mimic meningitis.
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