From Cough to Multi-Organ Embolis: A Rare Case of MRSA-Induced Infective Endocarditis With Successful Surgical...

Infective endocarditis (IE) is life-threatening, and while Staphylococcus aureus commonly causes left-sided IE, community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) is a rare etiology in healthy individuals. A 41-year-old previously healthy male presented with 10 days of recurrent fever. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed severe mitral valve infective endocarditis with large vegetations and significant regurgitation. Blood cultures grew MRSA, and whole-body imaging revealed embolization to the brain, spleen, and kidney. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, he remained hemodynamically unstable and required urgent mitral valve replacement. Postoperatively, the patient showed significant clinical improvement with resolution of infection and stabilization of organ function. This case highlights the rare but aggressive nature of CA-MRSA left-sided IE causing rapid deterioration and multi-organ embolization in an otherwise healthy individual without traditional risk factors, highlighting the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and timely surgery.