Haemophilus parainfluenzae Endocarditis Associated With Maxillary Sinusitis and Complicated by Cerebral Emboli in a Young Man.

Anthony E Duzenli,John Dwyer,Jeanne Carey

doi:10.1177/2324709617704003

Anthony E Duzenli, John Dwyer + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/2324709617704003

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Abstract

HACEK endocarditis is often difficult to diagnose given the slow-growing characteristics of the organisms involved. Haemophilus parainfluenzae, one of the HACEK organisms, is an uncommon cause of endocarditis. We describe a case of a previously healthy young man with H parainfluenzae endocarditis that was associated with maxillary sinusitis and severe systemic complications, including septic cerebral emboli and mitral valve perforation. Previously reported cases have also described a predilection for younger people, cardiac valve pathology, and a high prevalence of stroke.

Highlights

Haemophilus parainfluenzae, one of the HACEK organisms, is an unusual cause of endocarditis
We describe a case of H parainfluenzae endocarditis in which the patient’s chief complaints were persistent severe headaches and fevers
H parainfluenzae endocarditis is quite uncommon, review of the literature suggests that those who are infected by this particular type of endocarditis may share similar characteristics.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7]

Summary

Introduction

Haemophilus parainfluenzae, one of the HACEK organisms, is an unusual cause of endocarditis. We describe a case of H parainfluenzae endocarditis in which the patient’s chief complaints were persistent severe headaches and fevers. As the patient’s presentation was atypical for infective endocarditis, a primary neurologic disorder was initially suspected.

Results

Conclusion