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[Pneumococcal tricuspid valve endocarditis]
S Rasmussen1, U Talleruphuus, J H Wandall
1Medicinsk afdeling B, Frederiksberg Hospital.
Abstract:
Endocarditis caused by pneumococci is a rare disease and cases that only affect the tricuspid valve represent less than 1% of all cases of endocarditis. A case presenting with a primary pneumonia and septicaemia is described. Due to persistent fever and the occurrence of a cardiac murmur echocardiography was done and demonstrated vegetations on the tricuspid valve. The course was complicated with septic pulmonary emboli before the patient recovered. Endocarditis with pneumococci may occur as a complication to a primary pneumonia and underestimation of the frequency with which it occurs is a possibility. Attention should be paid to patients with a primary pneumonia who do not respond to the initial treatment and to those who after an initial response show recurrent fever.
Insights
Pneumococcal endocarditis, particularly isolated tricuspid valve cases, is rare. This case highlights pneumococcal endocarditis as a potential complication of pneumonia, emphasizing vigilance for persistent or recurrent fever in patients with pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pneumococcal endocarditis is a rare condition.
- Isolated tricuspid valve endocarditis accounts for less than 1% of all endocarditis cases.
Observation:
- A case of pneumococcal endocarditis presenting with primary pneumonia and septicemia is described.
- Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the tricuspid valve in a patient with persistent fever and a new cardiac murmur.
Findings:
- The patient experienced septic pulmonary emboli as a complication.
- Recovery was achieved following treatment.
Implications:
- Pneumococcal endocarditis can arise as a complication of pneumonia.
- Clinicians should consider pneumococcal endocarditis in pneumonia patients with non-responsive or recurrent fevers.