Early Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis after Mitral Valve Replacement: A Case Report

Background: Tuberculous endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery. We report the case of a 24-year-old patient, who presented with tuberculous endocarditis after mechanical mitral valve replacement, with a favorable clinical course following anti-tuberculosis treatment. Case Presentation: We report a 24-year-old male patient, admitted to the cardiac surgery department of the Fann Hospital (Dakar, Senegal), for the management of severe mixed (rheumatic and endocarditic) mitral insufficiency with associated tricuspid insufficiency. He had a history of recurrent angina and polyarthralgia in childhood, was hospitalized several times for refractory global cardiac decompensation, and for a suspected infective endocarditis a month before his admission. On admission, the clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe post-endocarditic mitral insufficiency with A3 amputation, highly mobile 15 mm vegetations on the free edge of the large valve, moderate tricuspid insufficiency, and severe pulmonary artery hypertension. Mechanical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty using autologous pericardial strip were performed via median sternotomy. After ten days, the patient presented with global cardiac decompensation associated with a clinico-biological infectious syndrome, and tans-oesophageal echography revealed an abscess at the sinotubular junction, communicating with the aorta. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was done, which revealed a bilateral alveolar-interstitial syndrome with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Anti-tuberculosis treatment with RHZE was initiated for 06 months. The clinical course was favorable. Conclusion: Tuberculous endocarditis in prostheses is a serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery, which may evolve favorably under medical treatment.

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic repair of adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia with massive liver prolapse: A case report

BACKGROUND A Bochdalek hernia(BH)is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that often develops in the neonatal period.BH typically occurs on the left side of the diaphragm.A right-sided BH in an adult is rare.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow seen on chest radiography during a medical check-up.A chest radiograph showed elevation of the right hemidiaphragm.Computed tomography showed prolapse of multiple intraabdominal organs into the right thoracic cavity,corresponding to a right-sided BH.The herniated contents included the stomach,transverse colon,and left lobe of the liver.The left lobe of the liver was enlarged,particularly the medial segment.Laparoscopic surgery was performed.However,the left lobe of the liver was completely trapped in the thoracic cavity.Therefore,thoracoscopic manipulation had to be performed to return the liver to the abdominal cavity.The hernia was repaired with interrupted nonabsorbable sutures and reinforced with mesh.CONCLUSION Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery was successfully performed for right-sided BH with massive liver prolapse and abnormal liver morphology.

Community-acquired multidrug-resistant pneumonia,bacteraemia,and infective endocarditis:A case report

BACKGROUND The prevalence of multidrug-resistant(MDR)bacteria has increased globally,with extensive drug-resistant(XDR)bacteria posing a threat to patients.CASE SUMMARY This case report describes a young man admitted for suspected tropical fever infections who experienced rapid deterioration in health.Despite negative results for tropical fever infections,he had neutrophilic leucocytosis,acute kidney injury,and chest imaging findings suggestive of bilateral consolidations.On day two,he was diagnosed with infective endocarditis with possible rheumatic heart disease and MDR methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia,and communityacquired pneumonia.Despite treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics,he did not respond and succumbed to death on day five.CONCLUSION This case highlights that clinicians/public should be aware of MDR communityacquired pneumonia,bacteraemia,and endocarditis which ultimately culminate in high rates of morbidity and mortality.Early identification of pathogenic strain and prompt antibiotic treatment are a mainstay for the management and prevention of early fatalities.Simultaneously,route cause analysis of communityacquired MDR/XDR pathogens is a global need.

One Case about the Diagnosis and Treatment of Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis without Any Inducement

We present a case of Staphylococcus aurous tricuspid valve endocarditis without any risk factors (intravenous drug users, with pacemaker or central venous lines and with congenital heart disease). Transthoracic echocardiography, as first line examination, showed the vegetations on tricuspid valve. In our case, the diagnosis and treatment of right-sided infective endocarditis without any inducement were extremely difficult. Therefore, once a patient comes out with fever, the blood culture remains positive for gram-positive bacterium, and the infectious location still unknown, then the infective endocarditis should be considered. In addition, surgical measure is also an important therapy for right-sided infective endocarditis.

Clinical Features of Right-sided Infective Endocarditis

Objective To discuss the pathogenesis, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of right sided infective endocarditis (RIE). Methods To investigate retrospectively the clinical data of patients with RIE admitted in our hospital from Jan 1985 to Dec 2000. Results There were 17 cases of RIE (12 male, 5 female, mean age 22 years), among which 7 with congenital heart disease, 1 with pacemaker implantation and 9 with a history of intravenous drug abuse but without underlying heart disease. Fever and multiple pulmonary emboli were the major clinical manifestations. Blood cultures were positive in 8 cases with Staphylococcus aureus as the predominant microorganism. Echocardiography detected right heart vegetations in all cases, with tricuspid valve as the structure most frequently affected. Most patients were successfully treated with antimicrobials. The outcome was favourable, with a mortality of 11.8%. Conclusions The clinical features of RIE are different from that of left sided infective endocarditis (LIE). Echocardiography plays an important role in the diagnosis of RIE.

Candida endocarditis: Update on management considerations

The rise in incidence rates of invasive candidiasis warrants an increase in atten-tion and efforts toward preventing and treating this virulent infection.Cardiac involvement is one of the most feared sequelae and has a poor prognosis.Despite the introduction of several novel antifungal agents over the past quarter century,complications and mortality rates due to Candida endocarditis have remained high.Although fungal endocarditis has a mechanism similar to bacterial endocar-ditis,no specific diagnostic criteria or algorithm exists to help guide its manage-ment.Furthermore,recent data has questioned the current guidelines recommen-ding a combined approach of antifungal agents with surgical valve or indwelling prostheses removal.With the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris,a focus on improved prophylactic measures and management strategies is nece-ssary.

Valve repair after infective endocarditis secondary to perforation caused by Streptococcus gordonii:A case report

BACKGROUND We report a case of infective endocarditis(IE)in a patient with congenital heart valve lesions accompanied by IE,which was diagnosed based on blood culture analysis that revealed the presence of a gram-negative bacterium,Streptococcus gordonii.CASE SUMMARY The patient had a history of precordial valve disease diagnosed by cardiac ultrasound,as well as a 4-mo history of fever.He was subjected to comprehensive anti-infection and anti-heart failure treatment in the internal medicine department.Further examination revealed sudden dislodgement from and perforation through the aortic valve by the superfluous organisms,as well as occurrence of bacterial emboli dislodgement,which caused bacteremia and infectious shock.He recovered and was discharged from the hospital after surgical and postoperative anti-infection treatments.CONCLUSION We review the treatment process and highlight inspirations and reflections from this case;suggest possible future changes in treatment modalities.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis,asthma as the first symptom,and subsequent Loeffler endocarditis:A case report

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis(EGPA),formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome,is a rare form of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyassociated vasculitis characterized by asthma,vasculitis,and eosinophilia.CASE SUMMARY We report an atypical case of EGPA in a 20-year-old female patient.Unlike previously reported cases of EGPA,this patient’s initial symptom was asthma associated with a respiratory infection.This was followed by Loeffler endocarditis and cardiac insufficiency.She received treatment with methylprednisolone sodium succinate,low molecular weight heparin,recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide,furosemide,cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium,and acyclovir.Despite prophylactic anticoagulation,she developed a large right ventricular thrombus.EGPA diagnosis was confirmed based on ancillary test results and specialty consultations.Subsequent treatment included mycophenolate mofetil.Her overall condition improved significantly after treatment,as evidenced by decreased peripheral blood eosinophils and cardiac markers.She was discharged after 17 d.Her most recent follow-up showed normal peripheral blood eosinophil levels,restored cardiac function,and a reduced cardiac mural thrombus size.CONCLUSION This case illustrates the swift progression of EGPA and underscores the significance of early detection and immediate intervention to ensure a favorable prognosis.

Obstructive shock secondary to fungal prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis

Dear editor,Fungal endocarditis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis,suboptimal diagnostic tools responsible for long diagnostic delays in most cases,and poorly defined activity of most antifungal agents in endocarditis.^([1])The burden of diagnosis still lies with clinicians:they need a

Infective endocarditis and thoracic aortic disease: A review on forgotten psychological aspects

AIM To summarize the current evidence on psychological issues in thoracic aortic disease(TAD) and infective endocarditis(IE) setting. METHODS We performed a narrative review about psychological issues in adults with IE and TAD. Through the electronic databases, Pub Med and Psyc INFO, we searched full manuscripts in English and published until September 1, 2014. RESULTS We found sixteen studies exploring psychological issues in patients with IE(six studies) and in TAD(ten papers). Psychological issues assessed were quality of life, depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Quality of life was explored in IE(four papers) and in TAD(eight papers). Depression and anxiety were analyzed in TAD only(five papers). Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed in IE(one study). Quality of life was found impaired in three of four studies about IE and in three of eight studies about TAD. Posttraumatic stress disorder was present in 11% and was associated with lower levels of quality of life in IE patients. In TAD patients, anxiety and depression levels after different invasive interventions did not differ. CONCLUSION Sixteen studies report about psychological issues in IE and TAD. Most of them explore quality of life and to a less extent anxiety and depression.

Acquired aortocameral fistula occurring late after infective endocarditis: An emblematic case and review of 38 reported cases

AIM To delineate the features and current therapeutic option of congenital and acquired aortocameral fistulas(ACF) secondary to iatrogenic or infectious disorders.METHODS From a Pub Med search using the term "aortocameral fistula", 30 suitable papers for the current review were retrieved. Reviews, case series and case reports published in English were considered. Abstracts and reports from scientific meetings were not included. A total of 38 reviewed subjects were collected and analyzed. In addition, another case- an adult male who presented with ACF between commissures of the right and noncoronary sinuses and right atrium as a late complication of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis of the AV- is added, the world literature is briefly reviewed.RESULTS A total of thirty-eight subjects producing 39 fistulas were reviewed, analyzed and stratified into either congenital(47%) or acquired(53%) according to their etiology. Of all subjects, 11% were asymptomatic and 89% were symptomatic with dyspnea(21 ×) as the most common presentation. Diagnosis was established by a multidiagnostic approach in 23(60%), single method in 14(37%)(echocardiography in 12 and catheterization in 2), and at autopsy in 2(3%) of the subjects. Treatment options included percutaneous transcatheter closure in 12(30%) with the deployment of the Amplatzer duct or septal occluder and Gianturco coil and surgical correction in 24(63%). CONCLUSION Acquired ACF is an infrequent entity which may occur late after an episode of endocarditis of the native AV. The management of ACF is generally by surgical correction but non-surgical device intervention has recently been introduced as a safe alternative.

Candida tropicalis infection in a term neonate with gall bladder masses and infective endocarditis

Candida endocarditis is extremely rare in term neonates,and gall bladder involvement due to candidemia has never been reported amongst neonates and infants.A term,appropriate for gestational age neonate developed Candida tropicalis blood stream infection in second week of life.He was started on conventional amphotericin B.However,he failed to show any clinical improvement,and candidemia keep on persisting.Repeat sanctuary sites screening revealed multiple echogenic masses in heart(vegetations) and gall bladder.On changing the treatment to liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole,he recovered clinically,echogenic masses in gall bladder disappeared,and intracardiac vegetations decreased in size.

Comparison of decompression tubes with metallic stents for the management of right-sided malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND Emergency surgical resection is a standard treatment for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction; however, the procedure is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Although a bridge to surgery can be created to obviate the need for emergency surgery, its effects on long-term outcomes and the most practical management strategies for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction remain unclear.AIM To determine the appropriate management approach for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction.METHODS Forty patients with right-sided malignant colonic obstruction who underwent curative resection from January 2007 to April 2017 were included in the study.We compared the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients who received bridges to surgery established using decompression tubes and those created using self-expandable metallic stents(SEMS). The primary outcome was the overall survival duration(OS) and the secondary endpoints were the diseasefree survival(DFS) duration and the preoperative and postoperative morbidity rates. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.RESULTS There were 21 patients in the decompression tube group and 19 in the SEMS group. There were no significant differences in the perioperative morbidity rates of the two groups. The OS rate was significantly higher in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group(5-year OS rate; decompression tube 79.5%,SEMS 32%, P = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that the bridge to surgery using a decompression tube was significantly associated with the OS(hazard ratio, 17.41; P = 0.004). The 3-year DFS rate was significantly higher in thedecompression tube group than in the SEMS group(68.9% vs 45.9%; log-rank test,P = 0.032). A propensity score–adjusted analysis also demonstrated that the prognosis was significantly better in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group.CONCLUSION The bridge to surgery using trans-nasal and trans-anal decompression tubes for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction is safe and may improve long-term outcomes.

Late endocarditis of Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device in a child

Bacterial endocarditis following atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer device in a child is extremely rare. We report a 10-year-old girl who developed late bacterial endocarditis, 6 years after placement of an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device. Successful explantation of the device and repair of the resultant septal defect was carried out using a homograft patch. The rare occurrence of this entity prompted us to highlight the importance of a closed long-term follow up, review the management and explore preventive strategies for similar patients who have multiple co-morbidities and a cardiac device. A high index of suspicion is warranted particularly in pediatric patients.

More to the picture of the psychological impact of endocarditis and thoracic aortic pathology

Over the years there has been substantial advanced in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex thoracic aortic disease and complex endocarditis.As these therapies are being offered to a growing segment of patients-and more and more patients are felt to potentially benefit from such therapies,the longterm consequences of these interventions is sometimes poorly understood.While traditional medical complications,such as stroke,renal failure,respiratory failure,and even death are often the focus of outcomes studies,little is known on the impact of these diseases and therapies on mental health.This commentary emphasizes the importance of better understanding the psychologic impact of endocarditis and thoracic aortic pathology as reviewed by Dr.Bagnasco.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead-related methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis:Importance of heightened awareness

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) septicemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality especially in patients with immunosuppression,diabetes,renal disease and endocarditis.There has been an increase in implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices(CIED) with more cases of devicelead associated endocarditis been seen.A high index of suspicion is required to ensure patient outcomes are optimized.The excimer laser has been very efficient in helping to ensure successful lead extractions in patients with CIED infections.We present an unusual case report and literature review of MRSA septicemia from device-lead endocarditis and the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment.

Calcific left atrium:A rare consequence of endocarditis

Usually, cardiac calcifications are observed in aortic and mitral valves, atrio-ventricular plane, mitral annulus, coronary arteries, pericaridium(usually causing constrictive pericarditis) and cardiac masses. Calcifications of atrial walls are unusual findings that can be identified only using imaging with high spatial resolution, such as cardiac magnetic resonance and computed tomography. We report a case of a 43-year-old patient with no history of heart disease that underwent cardiac evaluation for mild dyspnoea. The echocardiogram showed a calcific aortic valve and a hyper-echogenic lesion located in atrio-ventricular plane. The patient was submitted to cardiac magnetic resonance and to computed tomography imaging to better characterize the localization of mass. The clinical features and location of calcified lesion suggest an infective aetiology causing an endocarditis involving the aortic valve, atrioventricular plane and left atrium. Although we haven't data to support a definite and clear diagnosis, the clinical features and location of the calcified lesion suggest an infective aetiology causing an endocarditis involving the aortic valve, atrio-ventricular plane and left atrium. The patient was followed for 12 mo both clinically and by electrocardiogram and echocardiography without worsening of clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are ideal methods for identifying and following over time patients with calcific degeneration in the heart.

En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy for locally advanced right-sided colon cancer

AIM To assess the usefulness of en bloc right hemicolectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy(RHCPD) for locally advanced right-sided colon cancer(LARCC).METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the database of Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, between January 2009 and December 2016. During this time, 299 patients underwent radical right hemicolectomy for right-sided colon cancer. Among them, 5 underwent RHCPD for LARCC with tumor infiltration to adjacent organs. Preoperative computed tomography(CT) was routinely performed to evaluate local tumor infiltration into adjacent organs. During the operation, we evaluated the resectability and the amount of infiltration into the adjacent organs without dissecting the adherent organs from the cancer. When we confirmed that radical resection was feasible and could lead to R0 resection, we performed RHCPD. The clinical data were carefully reviewed, and the demographic variables, intraoperative data, and postoperative parameters were recorded.RESULTS The median age of the 5 patients who underwent RHCPD for LARCC was 70 years. The tumors were located in the ascending colon(three patients) and transverse colon(two patients). Preoperative CT revealed infiltration of the tumor into the duodenum in all patients, the pancreas in four patients, the superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in two patients, and tumor thrombosis in the SMV in one patient. We performed RHCPD plus SMV resection in three patients. Major postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients(60%) as pancreatic fistula(grade B and grade C, according to International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula Definition) and delayed gastric empty. None of the patients died during their hospital stay. A histological examination confirmed malignant infiltration into the duodenum and/or pancreas in 4 patients(80%), and no patients showed any malignant infiltration into the SMV. Two patients were histologically confirmed to have tumor thrombosis in the SMV. All of the tumors had clear resection margins(R0). The median follow-up time was 77 mo. During this period, two patients with tumor thrombosis died from liver metastasis. The overall survival rates were 80% at 1 year and 60% at 5 years. All patients with node-negative status(n = 2) survived for more than seven years.CONCLUSION This study showed that the long-term survival is possible for patients with LARCC if RHCPD is performed successfully, particularly in those with node-negative status.

An Early Diagnosis of Endocarditis Facilitated by the Electronic Stethoscope

The practice of cardiac auscultation is a critical tool used by physicians to detect alterations in the cardiovascular system. A case of both left and right sided endocarditis initially detected by electronic auscultation in a woman with a history of injection drug use is described. The electronic stethoscope, with the ability to amplify heart sounds, established the presence of both a systolic and diastolic murmur when standard auscultation failed to detect the diastolic component. Urgent standard echocardiography confirmed concurrent tricuspid and aortic valves endocarditis, and the patient was referred for surgical evaluation urgently. The present case demonstrates the value of the electronic stethoscope to amplify murmurs in the early detection of endocarditis. The case presented also serves as a useful reminder that right-sided endocarditis can have important leftsided complications.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Objective To analyze the clinical features of hemodialysis patients complicated by infective endo-carditis.Methods The clinical features of six such patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the year 1990 to 2009 were analyzed.All of them were diagnosed based on Chinese Children Diagnostic Criteria for Infective Endocarditis.Results The average age of the six patients was 52.3±19.3 years old.Four were males.Vascular accesses at the onset of infective endocarditis were as follows:permanent catheters in three,temporary catheters in two,and arteriovenous fistula in one.Three were found with mitral valve involvement,two with aortic valve involvement,and one with both.Five vegetations were found by transthoracic echocardiography,and one by transesophageal echocardiography.Four had positive blood culture results.The catheters were all removed.Four of the patients were improved by antibiotics treatment,in which two were still on hemodialysis in the following 14-24 months and the other two were lost to follow-up.One patient received surgery,but died of heart failure after further hemodialysis for three months.One was well on maintenance hemodialysis for three months after surgery.Conclusions Infective endocarditis should be suspected when hemodialysis patients suffer from long-term fever,for which prompt blood culture and transthoracic echocardiography confirmation could be performed.Transesophageal echocardiography could be considered even when transthoracic echocardiography produces negative findings.With catheters removed,full course of appropriate sensitive antibiotics and surgery if indicated could improve the outcome of chronic hemodialysis patients complicated by infective endocarditis.