Endocarditis involving a left ventricular apicoaortic valve-bearing conduit

Fatal infectious endocarditis involving a left ventricular apicoaortic valve-bearing conduit occurred in a 20-year-old man. Risk factors included early postoperative wound infection, broad spectrum suppressive antibiotic administration, and inadequate dental prophylaxis against infectious indocarditis. Palliative therapy included intravenous antibiotic administration and removal of the conduit. Lessons learned are discussed.