Management of Acute Aortic Infective Endocarditis in Pregnancy

Abstract

The reported incidence of infective endocarditis during pregnancy is 0,006% and there are no accepted guidelines. Management is individually based according to gestational age and the status of the mother. A multidisciplinary approach is required. Cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia and hyperkalemia may be fatal for the foetus due to vasoconstrictive response of the uteroplacental arteries. Herein, we report a case of successful treatment of acute aortic endocarditis during the second trimester of gestation, with a focus on timing of surgery and technical aspects. Keywords: Pregnancy, valve, endocarditis, cardiopulmonary bypass. Read more →