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[Misunderstood symptoms in patients with infectious endocarditis]
1Academisch Ziekenhuis, Hart Long Instituut, afd. Cardiologie, Utrecht.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|August 30, 1997
Summary
Infectious endocarditis can cause mycotic aneurysms in various body locations, leading to diverse symptoms. Early consideration of these aneurysms is crucial for timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Infectious endocarditis is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
- Mycotic aneurysms are a potential complication, often presenting with varied symptoms.
Observation:
- Four male patients (aged 18-44) with infectious endocarditis were studied.
- Causative bacteria included Streptococcus viridans, Eikenella corrodens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans.
- All patients presented with mycotic aneurysms causing neurological or abdominal issues.
Findings:
- Mycotic aneurysms occurred in different locations, including the middle cerebral artery and hepatic artery.
- One middle cerebral artery aneurysm spontaneously resolved over two years.
- A ruptured hepatic artery aneurysm resulted in a fatal outcome for one patient.
Implications:
- Mycotic aneurysms are a significant complication of infectious endocarditis.
- These aneurysms can manifest in any part of the body.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to a lack of consideration for this complication.