Neisseria gonorrhoeae infective endocarditis

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 May 10;15(5):e249723. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249723.

Abstract

We present a case of endocarditis secondary to disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection affecting the native tricuspid valve. After a thorough workup, our patient was treated conservatively with appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks. A follow-up echocardiogram showed resolution of the vegetation without any residual valvular involvement. Literature review reveals 99 cases of infective endocarditis which occurred secondary to N. gonorrhoeae infection, of which, only 4 cases (6%) affected the tricuspid valve. Through this case report, we highlight the importance of thorough history taking including a sexual and social history, as well as careful recognition of the clinical signs, which helped us reach this uncommon diagnosis while always maintaining a high clinical suspicion of rare causes of endocarditis.

Keywords: Gonorrhoea; Infectious diseases; Malignant and Benign haematology; Valvar diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endocarditis* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Gonorrhea* / complications
  • Gonorrhea* / diagnosis
  • Gonorrhea* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Tricuspid Valve