Signs Of Infective Endocarditis Research Articles

Clinical and morphological features of infective endocarditis of native and prosthetic heart valves

Aim. To evaluate clinical and morphological data of infective endocarditis (IE) of native and prosthetic heart valves.Material and methods. This retrospective cohort study included 354 patients that had signs of IE according to pathological study of surgical material from native valves and prosthetic heart valves. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group included patients with native valve IE (n=328), while the second group — with prosthetic valve IE (n=26).Results. Among patients with native valve IE, aortic (AV) and mitral valve (MV) IE was recorded in 67,6% and 20,7%, respectively. In the group of patients with prosthetic IE, AV IE also predominated — 57,7% vs 26,9% in MV IE. In the majority of patients in the first group, secondary IE was detected (68,9%). The development of IE in the presence of bicuspid AV (BAV), degenerative AV disease, and rheumatic valve disease was revealed in 40,7%, 31,4% and 6,7%, respectively. In the group of patients with native valve IE, subactive IE was most often detected — in 38,4%, while in 7,1% — signs of process remission were detected. In the group of patients with prosthetic valve IE, IE with moderate activity was detected more often than in the group of patients with native valve IE (42,3% vs 26,8%, p=0,042). In the group of patients with prosthetic valve IE, the presence of colonies of microorganisms and neutrophilic infiltration in the histological material was somewhat more common, while in patients with native valve IE there was a tendency towards a higher percentage of necrosis in the studied material (42,4% vs 38,5%, p>0,05).Conclusion. This work confirms changes in the epidemiological characteristics of patients with IE. A high frequency of subactive forms of IE was noted according in patients with native valve IE, which requires individual approach to antibacterial therapy depending on the pathomorphological IE activity.

SARS-CoV-2-induced non-bacterial endomyocarditis with the development of acquired heart defects

Patients with damage of the mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves and systolic myocardial dysfunction associated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection are described. The diagnosis of acquired defect was established in 4 patients based on medical history, electrocardiography, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart, endomyocardial or intraoperative myocardial biopsy, and in one case, autopsy. The study of the myocardium included H&E, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) study with antibodies to CD3, CD20, CD45, CD68, to the nucleocapsid and Spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Previous valve diseases (prolapse, bicuspid aortic valve) served as a background for the development of the defect in 2 patients. In all cases, IHC studies revealed coronavirus proteins, lymphocytic endocarditis and myocarditis, moderate fibrosis, and signs of connective tissue disorganization. High titers of anticardiac antibodies indicated an autoimmune mechanism for carditis. No signs of infective endocarditis or thromboembolic complications were identified in any case. In patients with an unclear nature of valvular heart defects, a previous new coronavirus infection should be identified and taken into account as a possible etiological factor. The simultaneous development of lymphocytic myocarditis significantly increases the risk of surgical intervention on the valves and requires an integrated approach to treatment.

Abstract 13191: Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis and Acute Renal Failure as a Sign of Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report

Case Presentation: Infective endocarditis (IE) can sometimes be a diagnostic challenge because its presentation in its early stages may coincide with that of several other disease processes. It has an incidence of ~7 per 100,000 annually yet has an in-hospital mortality of about 20-25%. We present a case of a 56-year-old immunocompetent male with a recent diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) who was admitted for acute renal failure (ARF). With his history of LCV (Figure 1), renal vasculitis was thought to be contributing to his ARF. On admission, he was afebrile and had a creatinine of 5.25 (baseline of 0.8), hyponatremia, anemia, mild leukocytosis, and mildly elevated lactate. No other infectious sequelae were noted. Nephrology was consulted for workup of renal failure, and a renal biopsy was recommended. Before the biopsy was able to be performed, blood cultures returned positive for Enterococcus faecalis. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large, mobile 1.3-centimeter vegetation attached to the left ventricular outflow tract side of the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Parenteral antibiotics were initiated, and cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for surgical correction. The patient ultimately underwent aortic valve replacement successfully with renal recovery to baseline and resolution of his leukocytoclastic vasculitis soon thereafter. Discussion: LCV has been established as a rare, but well-reported sign of IE. Similarly, only a few cases of IE presenting as ARF have been reported. In patients presenting with both LCV and ARF, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for IE. Going down the pathway to work up renal vasculitis may unnecessarily expose patients to invasive procedures, incorrect treatment modalities, and other complications.

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Impact of Absent Echocardiographic Signs in Patients With Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) including IE after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with absent compared with evident echocardiographic signs of TAVI-IE. Patients with definite TAVI-IE derived from the Infectious Endocarditis after TAVI International Registry were investigated comparing those with absent and evident echocardiographic signs of IE defined as vegetation, abscess, pseudo-aneurysm, intracardiac fistula, or valvular perforation or aneurysm. Among 578 patients, 87 (15.1%) and 491 (84.9%) had absent (IE-neg) and evident (IE-pos) echocardiographic signs of IE, respectively. IE-neg were more often treated via a transfemoral access with a self-expanding device and had higher rates of peri-interventional complications (eg, stroke, major vascular complications) during the TAVI procedure (P < .05 for all). IE-neg had higher rates of IE caused by Staphylococcus aureus (33.7% vs 23.2%; P = .038) and enterococci (37.2% vs 23.8%; P = .009) but lower rates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (4.7% vs 20.0%, P = .001). IE-neg was associated with the same dismal prognosis for in-hospital mortality in a multivariate binary regression analysis (odds ratio: 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .55-4.12) as well as a for 1-year mortality in Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: .67-1.80). Even with negative echocardiographic imaging, patients who have undergone TAVI and presenting with positive blood cultures and symptoms of infection are a high-risk patient group having a reasonable suspicion of IE and the need for an early treatment initiation.

CASE REPORT: BIOPROSTHETIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS CAUSING NON-ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

CASE REPORT: BIOPROSTHETIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS CAUSING NON-ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

New criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis using 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging

The purpose of this study was to examine a qualitative scoring system and a semi-quantitative method of FDG-PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). We retrospectively included 108 patients who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for suspected IE. PET/CT scans were interpreted using a 4-point score (0 = no uptake; 1 = cardiac uptake &lt; blood-pool activity; 2 = blood-pool &lt; uptake &lt; liver activity; 3 = uptake &gt; liver) and semi-quantitatively using SUVmax and SUVmean of the suspected valve lesion, liver, spleen, and of the bone marrow (BM). BM and spleen SUVmean were normalized to the liver, and hypermetabolism (HSBM) was defined as a BM or spleen-to-liver ratio &gt; 1. Comparing the score criteria results with the clinical final diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of qualitative criteria were 93%, 81%, 84%, 91%, and 87%, respectively. A definite IE was documented in 83% of patients showing HSBM and abnormal cardiac uptake, 44% with abnormal cardiac uptake, 28% with HSBM, and 10% with neither one. The qualitative scoring system is helpful in the diagnosis of IE. The HSBM is an additional, reliable indirect sign of IE.

COVID-19 pandemisinde doğal kapak endokarditinin ilk belirtisi: Alt ekstremitede akut arteriyel septik emboli

he clinical manifestations of infective endocarditis are variable. Late diagnosis of the disease can lead to clinical catastrophe and even death. Although its symptomatology is broad, the initial diagnosis can sometimes be made after complications, particularly during COVID-19 pandemic days. It should be noted that during the pandemic period, patients with mild infective endocarditis symptoms may be confused with covid 19 infection symptoms. In this report, we aim to present that lower extremity ischemia was the first sign of infective endocarditis in a 77-year-old female patient with complaints of sudden onset of pain and coldness in the leg. The patient underwent an embolectomy and embolic material of 1x1.5 cm was removed from the left common femoral artery.

Subungual hemorrhage as a sign of infective endocarditis.

Subungual hemorrhage as a sign of infective endocarditis.

Native valve endocarditis of aortic and mitral valve involving left coronary artery ostium and interventricular septum: Medical and surgical therapy

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle (endocardium) caused by bacteria, fungi, or germs that enter through the bloodstream. Despite improvements in its management, IE remains associated with high mortality and severe complications. The management of IE is multidisciplinary and is comprised of cardiologists, intensive care physicians, and cardiac surgeons. IE involving coronary ostium is very rare and sometimes such cases can cause acute coronary syndrome or sudden cardiac death. In this article, we report the case of a 48-year-old man who developed infective endocarditis involving aortal and mitral valves, as well as interventricular septum and left main coronary ostium as a result of Enterococcus faecalis. The vegetation on the ostium of the left main coronary artery has not caused coronary obstruction, but because of possible embolic events, all vegetation has been cleaned and a more appropriate repairment technique has been applied. Patient treated with vancomycin, rifampicin, and gentamicin before surgical replacement of damaged valves. We have performed aortic valve replacement, and mitral and tricuspidal valve repairment procedures. Beside of that vegetations on the interventricular septum and on the coronary ostium were extracted and damage repaired. The patient has discharged from the hospital on day 5 postoperatively without any signs of IE. Conclusion E. faecalis-associated infective endocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of valvular vegetation, especially in patients with a rapidly progressing clinical course. A multidisciplinary approach to IE is critical for improving the life quality of patients by reducing mortality and preventing complications. This case also highlights the importance of collecting blood cultures before initiation of antibiotic treatment.

Hypermetabolism of the spleen or bone marrow is an additional albeit indirect sign of infective endocarditis at FDG-PET

PurposeThis study aimed at determining the diagnostic implications of indirect signs of infection at FDG-PET—i.e., hypermetabolisms of the spleen and/or bone marrow (HSBM)—when documented in patients with known or suspected infective endocarditis (IE). MethodsHSBM were defined by higher mean standardized uptake values comparatively to that of the liver on FDG-PET images from patients with a high likelihood of IE and prospectively included in a multicenter study. ResultsAmong the 129 included patients, IE was ultimately deemed as definite in 88 cases. HSBM was a predictor of definite IE (P = 0.014; odds ratio (OR) 3.2), independently of the criterion of an abnormal cardiac FDG uptake (P = 0.0007; OR 9.68), and a definite IE was documented in 97% (29/30) of patients showing both HSBM and abnormal cardiac uptake, 78% (7/9) of patients with only abnormal cardiac uptake, 67% (42/63) of patients with only HSBM, and 37% (10/27) of patients with neither one. ConclusionIn this cohort with a high likelihood of IE, HSBM is an additional albeit indirect sign of IE, independently of the criterion of an abnormal cardiac uptake, and could reinforce the suspicion of IE in the absence of any other infectious, inflammatory, or malignant disease.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement associated infective endocarditis case series: broadening the criteria for diagnosis is the need of the hour

BackgroundTranscatheter valve replacement (TAVR) is an important therapeutic intervention for patients with aortic valve stenosis. As TAVR has become available to a broader population, there has been an increase in the number of less common, yet potentially catastrophic, complications. TAVR related infective endocarditis (TAVR-IE) is a rare, but potentially fatal, complication.Case seriesWe present here two patients that we encountered for TAVR associated infective endocarditis. Our first patient presented 5 weeks after his TAVR. His initial presentation was consistent with signs of sepsis. The patient then developed Mobitz type I block during hospital course. His TEE was negative for features of infective endocarditis. Due to high suspicion, patient was taken for surgical exploration and was found to have multiple foci of vegetation adhered to the stent frame. Our second patient presented with new onset pulmonary edema, worsening heart failure and systemic inflammatory response. A TEE was done for persistent MSSA bacteremia which showed stable prosthetic valve function with no signs of infective endocarditis. Patient was discharged with a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics. Patient was re-admitted for worsening sepsis and blood cultures were positive for MSSA. Patient was taken for surgical exploration of his prosthetic aortic valve which showed purulent aortic root abscess.ConclusionThrough these cases, we aim to raise awareness on TAVR-IE. Due to the atypical clinical presentation, the modified Duke criteria may not be sufficient to diagnose TAVR-IE. Transesophageal echocardiogram in TAVR-IE may be negative or indeterminate. Prosthetic valve shadow may obscure smaller vegetations and/or smaller abscesses. A negative transesophageal echocardiogram should not rule out TAVR-IE and further diagnostic imaging modalities should be considered. PET/CT after administration of 18F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is a useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis where TEE has been negative or inconclusive. Multi-modal imaging, in addition to the modified Duke criteria, can facilitate early diagnosis and improved mortality outcomes.

Applicability of Echocardiographic Strict Negative Criteria for Suspected Infective Endocarditis

Echocardiography is the cornerstone imaging technique in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) but is often misused in clinical practice. Recently, strict negative criteria have been proposed to avoid unnecessary follow-up echocardiograms. We aimed to evaluate the use of echocardiography in real-world clinical daily practice and the usefulness of these criteria in the diagnosis of IE. We retrospectively retrieved every echocardiogram performed in our center for suspected IE between 2014 and 2018, including 905 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). Of these, 451 (49.8%) fulfilled the strict negative criteria (group 1). In this group, IE was seldom diagnosed (n=4, 0.9%). In 338 patients (37.4%) no signs of IE were evident, but they did not fulfill the strict negative criteria (group 2). A follow-up echocardiogram and definitive diagnosis of IE were more frequent (n=48, 14.2% and n=20, 5.9%). Finally, in 116 patients (12.8%) the initial TTE showed typical or suggestive signs of IE, in whom the diagnosis was confirmed in 48 patients (41.4%). A definitive diagnosis of IE was established in a minority of the study population (n=72, 8%). Only 1 readmission for underdiagnosis of IE was noted on group 2. We conclude that in a real-life setting only a minority of patients in whom IE was suspected had a definitive diagnosis. An initial TTE for suspected IE fulfilling the strict negative criteria predicts both a low probability of requesting a follow-up study and of a definitive diagnosis of IE.

Clinical applicability of echocardiographic strict negative criteria for suspected infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon but potentially lethal disease that requires a timely diagnosis. Echocardiography has a pivotal role in EI diagnosis, but this may lead to an overuse of this technology in clinical daily practice, and it is unclear which patients can benefit from a follow-up study if the initial transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) shows no signs of IE. The strict negative criteria (good ultrasound quality and no high-risk features such as significant valvular regurgitations or stenosis, pericardial effusion or intracardiac devices) have been recently proposed to avoid unnecessary follow-up echocardiograms. Purpose The objective of this study is to review the contemporary, real-world use of echocardiography in patients with suspected IE and analyze the potential applicability of the strict negative criteria. Methods We retrieved all the echocardiograms that were performed in our center for suspected or confirmed IE between January 2014 and December 2018. We defined different groups according to the strict negative criteria and reviewed the electronic clinical history to check if a definitive diagnosis of IE was established or not. Results We included a total of 905 TTEs. 451 (49.8%) of them fulfilled the strict negativity criteria (Group 1). In this group, IE was seldom diagnosed (n=4, 0.9%). In 338 (37.4%) patients no signs of IE were evident but they didn't fulfill the strict negative criteria (Group 2). A follow-up echocardiogram and definitive diagnosis of IE were more frequent (n=48, 14.2% and n=20, 5.9%). Finally, in 116 (12.8%) patients the initial TEE showed typical or suggestive signs of IE, in whom the diagnosis was confirmed in 48 (41.4%). The independent predictors of follow-up echocardiography were the previous history of valvular heart disease (HR 2.38 [1.39–3.89], p=0.001) or cancer (HR 0.47 [0.27–0.84], p=0.01), positive blood cultures for Enterococcus (HR 5.01 [2.34–10.73], p&amp;lt;0.001), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (HR 2.8 [1.27–6.17], p=0.011) or Streptococcus (HR 2.36 [1.12–5], p=0.024), and the presence of typical or suggestive signs of infective endocarditis on initial TTE (HR 13.77 [8.6–22.05], p&amp;lt;0.001). A definitive diagnosis of IE was confirmed in a minority of the study population (n=72, 8%). Only one readmission for underdiagnosis of IE during index hospitalization was noted on Group 2. Conclusions In a real-life, observational setting only a minority of patients in whom IE was suspected had a definite diagnosis. An initial TTE for suspected IE fulfilling the strict negative criteria predicts both a low probability of requesting a follow-up study and of a definitive diagnosis of IE. Further research should be performed to rationalize echocardiogram requests for suspected IE. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Echocardiographic strict negative criteria for suspected infective endocarditis. Can we avoid unnecessary echocardiograms?

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon but potentially lethal disease that require a timely diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has a pivotal role in diagnosis and follow-up and should be requested if there is a clinical suspicion of IE. However, it is unclear which patients can benefit from a follow-up echocardiogram if the initial TTE shows no signs of IE. The strict negative criteria (SNC) have been recently proposed to avoid unnecessary follow-up echocardiograms. Purpose The objective of this study is to review the contemporary, real-world use of echocardiography in patients with suspected IE and analyze the possible effect that incorporating the SNC would have in our clinical practice. Methods We searched the echocardiography database for the words “endoc” and “veget” to find the tests that were performed for suspected or confirmed IE between January 2014 and December 2018. We extracted and manually reviewed all the echocardiographic data and applied the SNC to patients with an initial negative TTE. We reviewed the electronic clinical history to check if a final diagnosis of IE was established or not. Results We included a total of 957 echocardiograms in our registry. 493 (51.5%) did not meet the SNC. The main reasons for exclusion were the occurrence of more than mild valvular regurgitation (n=293, 30.6%), the presence of typical or suggestive signs of IE (n=128, 13.3%), the evidence of more than mild valvular stenosis or sclerosis (n=105, 10.9%) and a suboptimal ultrasound quality (n=90, 9.4%). Globally, a follow-up echocardiogram was performed in 143 (14.9%) patients. Only in 25 (5.4%) of patients which fulfilled the SNC a follow-up echocardiogram was requested, compared to 60 (16%) patients which neither fulfilled the SNC nor showed echocardiographic signs of IE and 68 (53.5%) patients in which the SNC weren't met but showed echocardiographic signs of IE (p&amp;lt;0.001). After performing a binary logistic regression model, the only independent predictor of follow-up echocardiography in patients who didn't met the SNC was the presence of typical or suggestive signs of infective endocarditis on initial TTE (HR 2.84 [2.17–3.71], p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions 1. In a real-life, observational setting an initial TTE for suspected IE that fulfilled the defined SNC predicts a low probability of requesting a follow-up echocardiography (5.4%), even though these criteria were neither reported by the echocardiographist nor probably known by the clinician in charge of the patient. 2. The number of echocardiograms avoided by applying these criteria in this context is low. 3. A follow-up echocardiogram was requested more frequently if the SNC weren't met, especially when typical or suggestive signs of IE were described in the initial TTE (53.5% vs 16%). This factor seems to be the only independent echocardiographic variable that predicts the probability of requesting a follow-up echocardiogram in this subgroup of patients. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Pulpotomy versus Extraction of Primary Molars in Children with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD)

Introduction: Dental management of a child with CHD is a procedure that requires special considerations due to predisposition to infective endocarditis (IE). The incidence of bacteremia can be induced by variable dental procedures, such as teeth extractions, root canal treatment, pulpotomies, interproximal fillings and application of rubber dam or stainless steel crowns (SSC). Pediatric dentists in the past decades, tend to perform extractions rather than pulpotomies of the deep carious primary molars to prevent possible infection of those teeth that may induce IE. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of bacteremia in children with CHD who received dental extractions or pulpotomies of the primary molars under general anesthesia (GA). Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients with CHD (age 2-7 years old) from Prince Sultan Cardiac Centre (PSCC) and PSMMC in Riyadh were evaluated by pediatric cardiologist for complete blood count (CBC), blood culture and Echocardiography. The patients received prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental treatment under GA. All patients were low to moderate risk to IE. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: 30 patients received formocresol pulpotomies (FP) and SSCs and 30 patients had extractions of primary molars with vital deep carious lesions. Results: The mean age of patients was 3.9 years from FP group and 4.8 years from extractions group. Fifty eight patients were low risk to IE and 2 patients were at moderate risk. Following dental rehabilitation in the follow up visits over a three years period, there were no vegetation or signs of IE. The clinical and radiographic findings for pulpally treated teeth showed no signs of dental abscesses or apical lesions. Discussion and Conclusion: The present study showed that there was no vegetation in echocardiogram between the two groups of patients who received either pulpotomy or extractions of primary molar teeth in patients with (CHD). In addition, pulpotomy is not a risk factor to induce IE in patients with CHD. However, all patients received antibiotic prophylaxis prior dental rehabilitation.

Neurologic complications of infective endocarditis: A four's year experience of Casablanca university hospital

Clinical manifestations of infective endocarditis(IE) include systemic, cardiac, and extracardiac multiorgan symptoms and signs. Hence, neurological complications have been linked to poor outcome and remains the most frequent extracardiac signs of IE with 25% of patients experience at least one neurological event. To assess the incidence of neurological complications in patients with infective endocarditis, the risk factors for their development and their influence on the clinical outcome. Retrospective study included patients with possible or definite infective endocarditis according to the European society of cardiology modified Duke Criteria, admitted between 2016 and 2019 in the Cardiology department of Casablanca university. Seventy-one patients were male and 47 were female with a mean (SD) age = 40.3 (15.2) years. 85 episodes were designed as definite IE. Neurologic complications were identified in 24,5% patients with 22 events associated with definite IE. Nineteen complications were thought to be caused by major cerebral embolism including ischemic brain infarction and transient ischemic stroke. On the other hand, cerebral hemorrhage was found in 6 patients and no significant association between anticoagulation therapy and cerebral hemorrhage was found in our study. Neurologic complications were significantly associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection ( P = 0.017) and with IE affecting both the aortic and the mitral valves ( P = 0.03). Death during the acute phase of IE occurred in 8 episodes (30%) with neurologic complications and in 9 episodes (10%) without neurologic complications. Mortality was highly associated with neurologic complications with a P = 0.017. Our results reinforce that neurologic complications has negative impact on the outcome of patients with IE. Furthermore, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted rapidly to prevent neurologic events and reduce mortality rate.

P1326 Recurrent isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis complicated by heart failure, septic pulmonary embolism and multiple lung abscesses in an intravenous drug abuser

Abstract Background Right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) ( 5-10% of all IE cases)is the most frequently observed in intravenous drug abusers (IVDA) with tricuspid valve as the most predominant site. Isolated pulmonary valve IE is an extremely rare entity in adults. Case report 27-year-old women, IVDA for 15 years, was admitted to the hospital due to fever and severe shortness of breath. Her past history was significant for isolated pulmonary valve IE of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus 9 months before with mild pulmonary regurgitation and normal right ventricular (RV) function at discharge after medical treatment. At admission on physical examination, the patient showed tachycardia 140/’, tachypnoea, hypotension and crackles. Initial chest X-ray documented massive bilateral infiltrates. Laboratory tests showed highly elevated inflammatory markers and anaemia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed large (36 x 20 mm) very mobile vegetations on the pulmonary valve (Fig A), pulmonary trunk dilatation, mild pulmonary regurgitation and moderate pericardial effusion. No sign of IE was found on the tricuspid valve (Fig C), which presented anterior leaflet prolapse with mild regurgitation. Computed tomography (CT) revealed numerous cavitary infiltrates in both lungs surrounded by ground-glass opacification. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was started on vancomycin. On day seven the patient status worsened with symptoms of heart failure and elevated pro-BNP up to 2833pg/ml. TTE revealed severe pulmonary regurgitation (Fig B) with pulmonary hypertension and RV dysfunction (Fig D). Repeated CT showed pulmonary embolism (PE), RV enlargement and multiple abscesses in both lungs. The patient was consulted with cardio surgeon but the intervention was denied and medical treatment was continued with vancomycin, gentamicin, rifampin, glicocorticoids, enoxaparin, betablockers, digoxin and diuretics. Under serial TTE and CT control antibiotics were continued up to 10 weeks. Ultimately patient was discharged in relatively good condition without any symptoms of heart or respiratory failure with smaller vegetation (15-16mm) on the pulmonary valve but with severe pulmonary regurgitation and mild RV enlargement and dysfunction in TTE and significant regression of pulmonary lesions and PE in CT. Discussion With respect to the high recurrence rate of right-sided IE in IVADs surgery should generally be avoided. A prolonged course of parental antibiotics is recommended in cases with lung abscesses. Conclusions We report a case of recurrent isolated pulmonary valve IE and extensive complications but with a positive outcome. Pulmonary valve IE is very rare in IVADs but requires early as well as serial multimodality imaging in the diagnostic workup. Abstract P1326 Figure. TTE of complicated pulmonary valve IE

P1798Assessing attitudes and knowledge of infective endocarditis in adult survivors of congenital heart disease

Abstract Background Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have an increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This risk is further compounded by patient-related factors such as education and awareness of IE. The onus of patient education falls on both patient and physician, and is paramount to successful outcomes. Our study sought to evaluate patients' understanding of the risks, preventative measures and symptoms of IE, and to identify high-risk ACHD patients who would benefit from targeted education. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to assess knowledge of and attitudes towards IE. Patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary referral centre completed the questionnaires independently. Baseline demographics and clinical data were collected from electronic patient records. Results 132 questionnaires were completed (median age 38 years, 50% male). 106 patients (80%) had previous surgical or percutaneous interventions and 7 patients (5%) had suffered with infective endocarditis in the past. 37% were able to accurately define IE. Out of a range of symptoms, most patients chose temperature (47%) and tiredness (39%) as classical symptoms of IE, however none correctly identified all listed symptoms as potential signs of IE. The majority of patients knew tooth abscess (58%) and body piercings (50%) were risk factors for IE. A fifth of patients (20%) were failing to have annual dental check-ups. 22% thought that IE would only require a few days stay as an inpatient and only 20% of patients were aware of the requirement for prolonged antibiotic treatment and the majority (63%) were unaware of the potential need for open heart surgery. 1 in 4 patients could recall having received information regarding IE. A third of patients reported that they would have made lifestyle changes had they known that IE required prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment and could result in open heart surgery and death. Discussion Our study highlights key issues in the management of ACHD. Moving forward with the continuously growing population of patients we need to focus on the multi-disciplinary approach including specialist clinical nurses and increasing awareness online and through meetings and patient days as well as the importance of transition services as paediatric patients move across to adult specialists. General physcians will also encounter ACHD, therefore it is important to ensure awareness is widespread in the form online platforms and leaflets. We must also acknowledge the impact of guidelines and ensure there is still a significant focus on IE within them. To conclude, despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with IE in ACHD, patient awareness of symptoms, risk factors and consequences is limited. Promotion of IE awareness is a cost-effective intervention, which can reduce the incidence and complications of IE.

An uncommon manifestation of Streptococcus gallolyticus infective endocarditis with cerebral septic emboli

Infective endocarditis (IE) can often present with neurological manifestations, due to embolization from valvular vegetation, but the presentation is often variable and unpredictable. Septic emboli to both occipital lobes supplied by the posterior cerebral arteries, resulting in visual disturbances are also an uncommon presentation of IE reported in the literature. While S. gallolyticus is a classical cause of IE, it is less common and usually occurs in a less suspecting group of patients with no predisposing cardiac conditions. We report the case of a 48-year-old man, who presented with predominant complaints of blurring of vision and temporal headache, without any other infective symptoms. The procalcitonin level was also normal even in the setting of bacteremia with septic embolism. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multifocal enhancing lesions in cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brainstem, with leptomeningeal enhancement. Transesophageal echocardiography and blood cultures subsequently confirmed diagnosis of S. gallolyticus IE of the mitral valve. The patient was treated with antibiotics upon diagnosis of IE. However, he developed intracranial hemorrhage secondary to mycotic aneurysms, and partial seizures. He eventually succumbed to the intracranial hemorrhage. This case serves to highlight that neurological manifestations can precede symptoms or signs of IE and the presentation are often variable. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to suspect neurological manifestations of IE, especially in patients without risk factors.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bloodstream infection – A 22‐year experience at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a facultatively anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus found mostly in swine, fish and sheep. E.rhusiopathiae classically causes cutaneous eruptions in butchers, fish handlers and veterinarians. Based solely on case reports, 90% of E.rhusiopathiae bloodstream infections (BSI) have been associated with infective endocarditis (IE). To assess the true frequency of IE in E.rhusiopathiae BSI as well as other clinical associations, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of E.rhusiopathiae BSI at Mayo Clinic. This is a single-centre, retrospective study conducted between 1/1/1994 and 20/6/2016 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, E.rhusiopathiae BSI, anti-microbial susceptibilities, incidence of IE, patient comorbidities, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and duration of antibiotics. Five cases of E.rhusiopathiae BSI were identified. Risk factors included animal exposures, immunosuppression, diabetes and kidney disease. All cases involved penicillin-sensitive strains and high-grade BSI. Four cases showed no signs of IE on transesophageal echocardiogram. All patients recovered fully with intravenous antibiotics. Our retrospective review illustrates that E.rhusiopathiae can cause invasive BSI in the absence of IE and that the previously reported 90% association between BSI and IE may be overestimated due to reporting bias. E.rhusiopathiae should be suspected in any patient with Gram-positive bacilli in blood cultures and the aforementioned risk factors. A limitation of our study was the low sample size, and future studies may involve multicentre collaborations and the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serologic testing to increase the number of diagnoses..