Bacterial endocarditis in mitral leaflet prolapse syndrome

A 25-year-old quadriplegic man with mitral leaflet prolapse syndrome was seen for complaints of intermittent fever, chills, and cough of three months' duration. Subacute bacterial endocarditis was diagnosed. Unusual complications of this disorder included hyperplenism with pancytopenia, pericardial effusion, and multiple infections in the blood and the spleen. Antibiotic therapy was begun, and splenectomy was performed. After seven weeks of treatment, the patient was free of symptoms and was discharged with advice on appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. We believe that although bacterial endocarditis is a major complication of mitral leaflet prolapse syndrome, it can be prevented with antibiotic prophylaxis whenever dental, surgical, or other invasive procedures are performed.