Acta Med. 2012, 55: 107-110

https://doi.org/10.14712/18059694.2015.66

Rapidly Progrediating Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis in an Intravenous Drug User Treated by Antibiotics and Surgery

Malkia S. Swedia, Radek Pudila, Jiří Manďákb

aUniversity Hospital and Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic: First Department of Internal Medicine – Cardioangiology
bUniversity Hospital and Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic: Department of Cardiac Surgery

Received May 10, 2010
Accepted May 9, 2012

We report the case of a 22-year old male, a self-confessed recreational drug user who developed cardiogenic shock because of severe destruction of the aortic valve by rapidly progressive aortic valve endocarditis. The disease progression was acute; in a matter of days, the clinical manifestations were life-threatening necessitating urgent aortic valve replacement surgery. Cultivation revealed Streptococcus viridans as the microbial agent. Subsequent recovery with antibiotic treatment was without complication. This case report shows that immediately performed transoesophageal echocardiography and early consultation with a cardiac surgeon has fundamental importance in diagnosis and management of acute infective endocarditis in haemodynamically instable patients.

References

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