Invasive pneumococcal infection presenting as septic arthritis and Austrian-like syndrome involving the tricuspid valve in a patient with underlying HIV infection

Abstract

Invasive pneumococcal infection (IPI) is a re-emerging complication of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, particularly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We report a case of a patient who presented with pneumococcal septicaemia, meningitis and septic arthritis, which initially responded to antibiotics, but where the patient eventually succumbed to infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. We discuss the spectrum of clinical manifestations of IPI, focusing especially on the Austrian syndrome (defined as pneumococcal endocarditis with rupture of the aortic valve and meningitis), its association with HIV infection, and its management in light of the emergence of penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumonia.