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[Polymicrobial endocarditis: presentation of 3 cases]
C Díaz Pedroche1, J González Castelló, A Coto López
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octlbre, Madrid.
Abstract:
We present three cases of polymicrobian endocarditis (PE), two of them in parenterally drug addicts (PDA) and the other one in a central catheter carrier. In all these three cases, the form of clinical presentation was similar to the monomicrobian endocarditis and the valve affected was the tricuspid one, as it occurs in most of the described PE. PE must be suspect in PDA or central catheter carriers if a rare germ is isolated (commensal of skin, oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract) or if there is a poor response to the antibiotic treatment, as it is the case in the patients described here.
Insights
Polymicrobian endocarditis (PE) presents like monomicrobian endocarditis, often affecting the tricuspid valve. Suspect PE in parenteral drug addicts (PDA) or central catheter users with rare infections or poor antibiotic response.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Polymicrobian endocarditis (PE) is a serious infection of the heart valves.
- Parenteral drug addicts (PDA) and central catheter carriers are at increased risk.
- Clinical presentation can mimic monomicrobian endocarditis, delaying diagnosis.