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Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Endocarditis: A Very Rare Case and Short View
Selman Dumani1, Vera Beca2, Devis Pellumbi1
1Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Center "Mother Theresa", Tirana, ALB.
Infective endocarditis rarely affects the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), even in intravenous drug users. This case highlights surgical intervention for RVOT vegetation and tricuspid valve endocarditis, leading to a favorable outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Right-sided infective endocarditis is often linked to intravenous drug use, typically affecting the tricuspid valve.
- Involvement of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in infective endocarditis is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old intravenous drug user presented with persistent fever and was diagnosed with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to a vegetation on the tricuspid valve.
- Echocardiography also identified a mobile mass in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included tricuspid valve replacement and RVOT mass excision.
- Histopathology confirmed fibrinous-thrombotic vegetation in both locations.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering RVOT involvement in right-sided infective endocarditis, particularly in high-risk patients.
- Surgical management is crucial for definitive treatment and favorable outcomes in atypical endocarditis cases.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

