A late presentation of pulmonary valve endocarditis following closure of patent ductus arteriosus in the childhood: A case report

Abstract

Background: Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endothelial surface of heart and great vessels frequently involving Mitral and Aortic valve. Pulmonary valve endocarditis leading to Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation is extremely rare and is often diagnosed late due to non specificity of symptoms. We intend to report such a case to bring the attention of everyone the long term consequences of Pulmonary Regurgitation. Here we also describe method of replacing Pulmonary valve with Bioprosthetic Aortic valve. Methods: We describe the technique of replacement of pulmonary valve with Bioprosthetic Aortic valve in case of severe Pulmonary regurgitation. Result: The patient successfully underwent replacement of both Pulmonary and Tricuspid valve with bioprosthetic valve and was discharged from the hospital on seventh post operative day. During successive follow up there was considerable improvement in exercise tolerance and she being presently in NYHA class II. Conclusion: Pulmonary valve replacement with bioprosthetic tissue valve should be considered for patients with Pulmonary regurgitation and volume overload of Right ventricle. Emphasis should be on Right ventricle dilatation before setting of RV dysfunction rather then severity of Pulmonary regurgitation alone.