Post-operative infective endocarditis with aortic root abscess due to Mycobacterium abscessus

Abstract

Aortic root abscess is a complication of native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis with a higher risk for prosthetic valves. The patients with aortic root abscess may present with symptoms ranging from pyrexia of unknown origin to arrhythmia. The usual aetiological agents are Staphylococcus aureus, alpha-lytic Streptococci and other skin flora. Here, we present a case report of aortic root abscess in a patient with a history of aortic valve repair. The aetiological agent was identified as Mycobacterium abscessus. This is probably the first case report of aortic root abscess with M. abscessus. The patients responded to empiric antibiotics without surgery.