Abstract

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality rates. While advances in diagnostics and treatment exist, those with multiple comorbidities or who have not had prompt management are at particularly high risk of dying from this condition. Common pathogens that cause it include the HACEK group of organisms and Staphylococcus aureus, which are typically associated with oral and other invasive procedures.
Case Presentation: A 33-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with a complicated medical history. He presented with prolonged fever, dyspnea, night sweats, and malaise that lasted several days. On physical examination, the patient have a positive heart murmur, decreased lung sounds bilaterally, peripheral edema, and anemia. Results of laboratory tests revealed severe leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and significantly elevated inflammatory markers. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter. Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the aortic valve and new-onset aortic regurgitation due to severe pulmonary hypertension, as well as dilated left-sided chambers of the heart. The patient received aggressive intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as supportive measures that included continuous renal replacement therapy and multidisciplinary management. However, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate until he was eventually taken for aortic valve replacement. Unfortunately, the patient ultimately died from complications of multi-organ failure related to unresolved septicemia after surgery.