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

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.