Aortic and tricuspid endocarditis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus in an immunocompetent patient with a normal heart

J Cardiol Cases. 2009 Nov 12;1(2):e95-e97. doi: 10.1016/j.jccase.2009.09.001. eCollection 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Endocarditis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus, an agent previously included in the Streptococcus bovis denomination is a serious disease, often associated with lesions of the colon mucosa. Aortic valve is more often affected and tricuspid involvement is quite rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old man who was admitted with a 2-month history of fever. Echocardiogram revealed vegetations on the aortic and tricuspid valve and blood cultures grew S. gallolyticus. Thoracic X-ray and computed tomography were consistent with septic pulmonary embolism. Despite optimal antibiotic therapy he developed an ischemic stroke and acute aortic regurgitation, which led to emergent surgery. Colonoscopy found a benign adenoma which was excised, and the patient had a full recovery.

Keywords: Aortic; Bivalvular; Endocarditis; Streptococcus gallolyticus; Tricuspid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports