A 70-year-old stock-breeder with tricuspid valve and defibrillator lead brucella endocarditis

Int J Cardiol. 2008 Jun 6;126(3):e47-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.01.018. Epub 2007 Mar 29.

Abstract

Brucella endocarditis is a rare and life threatening complication of brucellosis. It usually involves the aortic valve and successful management requires a combination of medical treatment and valve replacement. We describe a case of tricuspid valve and defibrillator lead brucella endocarditis induced by the implantation of the defibrillator itself. Our patient was admitted to hospital with a 2-week history of fever, back pain and night sweats. One month prior to admission, due to episodes of syncope, he was hospitalized at the Cardiology Department and because of a low grade fever he underwent complete investigation with no result. His original symptoms relapsed 2 days after dischargement. Although serological tests were not indicative, blood cultures grew Brucella melitensis and transesophageal echocardiography showed a vegetation on tricuspid valve, which was mildly regurgitant. Fever subsided 2 days following start of triple antibiotic therapy and 2 weeks later the defibrillator and the pacemaker were surgically explanted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Brucella melitensis / drug effects
  • Brucella melitensis / isolation & purification
  • Brucellosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Brucellosis / drug therapy*
  • Brucellosis / surgery
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / drug therapy*
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / microbiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Preoperative Care
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / therapy
  • Syncope / diagnosis
  • Syncope / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tricuspid Valve / drug effects
  • Tricuspid Valve / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents