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[Recurrent fever, nocturnal sweating, weight loss]
B Schär1, U Allemann, C Ludwig
1Medizinische Abteilung St. Claraspital, Basel.
Praxis
|February 12, 1998
Summary
This case study highlights endocarditis lenta, a rare infection, in a patient with mitral valve prolapse. Transesophageal echocardiography was crucial for diagnosis and understanding the link between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Endocarditis lenta is a subacute bacterial infection affecting heart valves.
- Mitral valve prolapse is a common cardiac condition that can predispose individuals to endocarditis.
- Fever of unknown origin, night sweats, and weight loss are key presenting symptoms.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with prolonged fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Diagnosis revealed endocarditis lenta caused by Streptococcus viridans.
- The patient had a pre-existing mitral valve prolapse with a small regurgitation jet.
Findings:
- Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis and visualized the vegetation on the mitral valve.
- The study emphasizes the association between endocarditis lenta and mitral valve prolapse.
- Streptococcus viridans was identified as the causative agent.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of endocarditis lenta are critical, especially in patients with predisposing cardiac conditions.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is a vital tool for diagnosing infective endocarditis.
- Understanding the link between mitral valve prolapse and endocarditis can improve patient management and outcomes.