Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
08:25
Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
9.2K
Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis and Septic Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus: A Case Study
Sneh Parekh1, Guillermo Loyola1, Ricardo A Caldas1
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|August 13, 2025
Summary
This case highlights a rare instance of pulmonic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus, leading to septic pulmonary embolism and edema. Early diagnosis using Duke criteria and echocardiography is crucial for managing this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonic valve endocarditis is a rare condition, accounting for less than 2% of infective endocarditis cases.
- Isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis reports are scarce, with only 70 documented between 1979 and 2013.
- This case involves a patient without typical risk factors like catheters or IV drug use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of pulmonic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus.
- To discuss the diagnostic and management challenges of this uncommon condition.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involved blood cultures and echocardiography.
- The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and valve replacement.
- Literature review on pulmonic valve endocarditis diagnosis and management was conducted.
Main Results:
- A 31-year-old man was diagnosed with pulmonic valve endocarditis and treated successfully.
- The infection led to septic pulmonary embolism and pulmonary edema.
- The case underscores the insidious presentation of pulmonic valve endocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonic valve endocarditis can present without typical risk factors, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Atypical presentations can delay treatment and increase mortality risk.
- Adherence to Duke criteria and echocardiography is vital for prompt and effective management.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
26
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
26
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
46
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
46
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
44
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
44
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
437
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
437
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
25
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
25
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
41
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
41