Group A streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a common organism that can cause upper respiratory infections. We encountered a case where GAS caused infective endocarditis (IE) due to an entry from the vagina. In this case, although echocardiography was negative, we were able to make a diagnosis of IE based on the 2023 Duke International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases Criteria, and we started antimicrobial therapy for IE. However, the patient subsequently developed persistent abdominal pain, which was atypical; hence, we reviewed the differential diagnosis. It is difficult to locate the primary site of infection because GAS rarely causes vaginal infections, and vaginal infections rarely cause IE. This case highlights the significance of revisiting medical history and the value of using a system 3 approach to refine diagnostic directions.
Keywords: abdominal pain; bacteremia; group a streptococcus pyogenes; infective endocarditis; vaginal system.
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