A novel source of enterococcal endocarditis

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Published on: June 4, 2012

E Milbrandt1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, USA.

Clinical Cardiology
|March 10, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Identifying the source of infective endocarditis is crucial. This case highlights Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis linked to an unusual source, a cecal carcinoma, suggesting a need to investigate colorectal pathology when the source is unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Determining the infectious source is vital in managing infective endocarditis.
  • A significant percentage of infective endocarditis cases remain without an identified source.
  • Specific microorganisms can suggest the origin of infection, such as Streptococcus bovis with colonic neoplasia.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of a 75-year-old male with Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis.
  • The endocarditis originated from an uncommon source: a cecal carcinoma.
  • The carcinoma caused intermittent appendiceal obstruction and infection.

Findings:

  • Enterococcus faecalis, a gut organism, can cause infective endocarditis.
  • Occult colorectal pathology, like cecal carcinoma, can be an unusual source for enterococcal endocarditis.
  • The case demonstrates a link between appendiceal obstruction/infection due to cecal carcinoma and subsequent endocarditis.

Implications:

  • Enterococcal endocarditis without a clear source warrants a thorough investigation for underlying colorectal pathology.
  • Early detection of occult colorectal diseases may prevent severe complications like infective endocarditis.
  • This case expands the understanding of Enterococcus faecalis as a cause of endocarditis originating from gastrointestinal malignancies.

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