Suspicion Of Infective Endocarditis Research Articles

Infectious endocarditis due to Bacillus Cereus in a patient with a pacemaker

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infectious process of the cardiac endothelium, often related to the use of pacemakers and valve prostheses, which may facilitate microorganism” proliferation. Case Report: In this article, we describe the case of an 81-year-old man with infective endocarditis due to Bacillus Cereus related to the use of a pacemaker and perform a brief literature review. Discussion: Bacillus Cereus is a Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, large, and generally motile bacterium that constitutes a rare cause of endocarditis, but few cases like this are described in the literature. Conclusion: Determining the etiology of IE through culture-guided methods plays a pivotal role in selecting appropriate antibiotic treatment. Maintain a high clinical suspicion for IE is paramount, especially when fever arises in patients with cardiac devices after surgical or dental procedures.

Role of thoracoabdominal imaging on diagnosis and management in patients with suspected infective endocarditis

Abstract Background/Introduction Embolic events (EEs) are a common complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and their presence can impact diagnosis and modify the therapeutic plan. Purpose The present study aimed to describe the role of thoracoabdominal imaging (TA-Im) on diagnosis and management of patients with suspected IE. Methods This study was conducted at a university hospital, from January 2014 to June 2022. EEs and IE were defined according to modified Duke criteria. Results Among 966 episodes with IE suspicion and TA-Im, 740 (77%) contrast-enhanced CT, 158 (16%) 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68 (7%) non-contrast-enhanced CT. The majority of patients (528; 55%) were without thoracoabdominal symptoms. At least one EE was found in 205 (21%) episodes. Based on TA-Im findings, the diagnosis was reclassified from rejected to possible or from possible to definite IE in 6 (1%) and 10 (1%) episodes, respectively [2 (0.5%) and 5 (1%) in asymptomatic episodes, respectively]. Table shows the type of embolic events and their impact on diagnosis in episodes with suspected IE. Among the 413 patients with possible or definite IE, at least one EE was found on TA-Im in 143 (35%) episodes. Together with the presence of left-side valvular vegetation >10mm, the results of TA-Im established a surgical indication (prevention of embolism) in 15 (4%) episodes, 7 of which were asymptomatic. Among the subgroup of episodes (n=127) with left-side vegetation >10mm, TA-Im established a surgical indication in 12% of episodes (15 patients), 10% among asymptomatic episodes (7 out of 73). Figure shows the changes in diagnostic classification and management due to TA-Im results in patients suspected (A) and those with IE (B). Conclusion TA-Im performed in asymptomatic patients with IE suspicion improved the diagnosis of IE in only a small proportion of patients; this proportion was similarly low in symptomatic patients. The role of systematic TA-Im in the clinical management of asymptomatic IE patients remains unclear, since it identified a new indication for valvular surgery in only a small proportion of patients. The scenario, where the benefit of TA-Im on management is a patient with a vegetation >10mm; in those patients, systematic TA-Im may lead to a new surgical indication in 10% of cases.Embolic eventsDiagnosis and mangement

Morbidity and mortality of Serratia marcescens bacteraemia during the substance use epidemic

BackgroundSerratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an Enterobacterales species present throughout the environment and causes a range of infections. Historically, S. marcescens has been associated with persons who inject drugs (PWID), but literature is scarce. This study aimed to compare treatment characteristics and clinical outcomes between PWID and non-PWID with Serratia marcescens bacteraemia. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised with S. marcescens bacteraemia from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019 at a tertiary medical centre. Patients were included if they were aged ≥ 18 years and had at least one positive blood culture for S. marcescens. ResultsOf the 67 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14 were identified as PWID (21%) and 53 were non-PWID (79%). Persons who inject drugs were younger (median age: PWID 32 years, non-PWID 67 years) and less likely to have renal disease (PWID 7%, non-PWID 34%). Persons who inject drugs had a higher incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) (PWID 48%, non-PWID 0%) and were more likely to receive combination antimicrobial therapy (PWID 29%, non-PWID 2%). All-cause mortality at 12 months was comparable between groups (PWID 21%, non-PWID 21%). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that long-term outcomes of PWID are comparable with non-PWID, despite PWID being a younger cohort with fewer comorbidities. Clinicians should have high suspicion of IE in PWID with S. marcescens bacteraemia.

COVID-19-associated MRSA infective endocarditis and mitral valve perforation: a case report

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The interplay between COVID-19 and other medical conditions can complicate diagnosis and management, necessitating further exploration.Case presentationThis case report presents a patient with COVID-19 who developed infective endocarditis (IE) and mitral valve perforation caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a native mitral valve. Notably, the patient did not exhibit typical IE risk factors, such as intravenous drug use. However, he did possess risk factors for bacteremia, including a history of diabetes mellitus and recent steroid use due to the COVID-19 infection. The diagnosis of IE was crucially facilitated by transesophageal echocardiography.ConclusionsThis case highlights the potential association between COVID-19 and the development of infective endocarditis. Prompt evaluation using transesophageal echocardiography is vital when there is a high suspicion of IE in COVID-19 patients. Further research is required to elucidate the precise relationship between COVID-19 and IE.

P21 INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS COMPLICATED BY BLOCKED ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND AORTIC VALVE RUPTURE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract A 63–year–old male patient with a mechanical mitral prosthesis and permanent atrial fibrillation in TAO was hospitalized for heart failure during a SARS CoV–2 infection in April 2022; the transthoracic echocardiogram performed during the hospitalization showed an ejection fraction of 38% The patient was rehospitalized in September 2022 due to worsening general conditions during suspected pneumonia. The hospitalization was complicated by brady AF with heart rate < 30 b.p.m. symptomatic for asthenia and dyspnoea despite the suspension of beta–blocker and digitalis therapy. Therefore, we decided on the implantation of a temporary pacemaker in urgency and subsequently a definitive pacemaker (Essentio MRI – Boston Scientific). During the hospitalization, the clinical conditions continued to be precarious; a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed suspicious formation of endocardic nature at the aortic valve with consensual severe regurgitation. This datum was confirmed with the TEE echo. At this point, in the suspicion of infective endocarditis, antibiotic therapy was set up and the patient was taken to our reference cardiac surgery where he underwent aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis, reconstruction of the coronary sinus and of the outflow tract of the left ventricle with heterologous pericardial patch. Currently, the patient performs regular clinical follow up at our Center and is in good general condition.

P79 MITRAL VALVE ENDOCARDITIS COMPLICATED BY INFERIOR INFARCT AND MULTIPLE DISTAL EMBOLICATIONS

Abstract A 41–year–old woman with history of drug addiction was ammitted at emergency department (ED) with the following symptoms: hyperpyrexia, shaking chills asthenia and anorexia for about 10 days; the hematochemical tests performed in urgency showed an increasing inflammatory markers and severe anemia. On suspicion of infective endocarditis, a transthoracic echocadiogram was performed which revealed a mobile isoechoic mass adhered to the anterior mitral leaflet (LAM), compatible in the first hypothesis with endocardiac vegetation. Hemocultures were drawn and empiric antibiotic therapy was setted. Following clinical conditions’s worsening, the patient underwent contrast–free total body Computed Tomography (CT) with the detection of multiple pulmonary, splenic and renal septic emboli associated with a cerebral hemorrhagic focus. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the presence of a 29 mm mobile vegetation on the atrial side of the LAM and the LAM’s perforation at the A3 level with associated severe eccentric regurgitation jet. Therefore, during hospitalization, coronary septic embolization was suspected due to the onset of a severe epigastric pain and the electrocardiographic finding of ST–elevation in the inferior leads associated with troponin’s increase. In consideration of the high bleeding risk and the septic state, conservative therapy was indicated. After a month of targeted antibiotic therapy, once clinical stabilization was obtained, a control TEE was performed and showed the disappearance of the endocardial vegetation and the persistence of the valve flap perforation and the eccentric jet. Once the regression of the septic state, a coronarographic study was performed and it showed no significant stenosis. The patient underwent mitral valve plastic surgery with the direct suture of the LAM and ring implantation in mini–thoracotomy. After a short period in intensive care, she continued her hospitalization in cardiac surgery department without complications. Careful clinical management of the acute phase and antibiotic therapy, empirical and targeted, allowed the patient to undergo cardiac surgery in the best possible conditions, reducing the risk of complications.

Endocarditis due to Aggregatibacter Segnis: a rare case report

BackgroundAs a member of the HACEK group, Aggregatibacter segnis (A. segnis) is a fastidious Gram-negative coccobacillus that resides in the human oropharyngeal flora. Infective endocarditis caused by A. segnis is rarely reported.Case presentationA 31-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for a 3-month history of intermittent high fever, chills, and chest distress. On presentation, he was febrile and tachycardic but otherwise with stable vital signs. Physical examination revealed systolic murmurs in the aortic and mitral valve areas. Pitting edema was evident in the lower extremities. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated multiple vegetations in the mitral and aortic valves. Severe regurgitation of the aortic valve and left heart dysfunction were also detected. With the suspicion of infective endocarditis and heart failure, we immediately performed microbiological tests and arranged the cardiac replacement surgery. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified A. segnis from the bloodstream. While the surgical specimen culture was negative, the mNGS was positive for A. segnis. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone for four weeks and discharged. He remained clinically well, with laboratory results restored.ConclusionThis is the first report of A. segnis infective endocarditis that combined MALDI-TOF and metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis. The hypothesis-independent molecular techniques can outperform conventional tools to prevent diagnostic delay.

Mechanical extraction of a pulmonary valve vegetation in a patient with endocarditis.

A 44-year-old male known with small ventricular septal defect, but no previous history of intravenous drug abuse presented to an outside hospital with fever, chills, and back pain. A chest computed tomography showed multifocal nodular and consolidative pulmonary opacities with borderline enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (Panel, A). Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus lugdunensis; given suspicion of infective endocarditis causing septic pulmonary emboli, he was transferred to our hospital. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on admission showed highly mobile masses attached to the native tricuspid (B) and to the sub-pulmonary area of the right ventricular outflow tract along with posterior leaflet perforation of the tricuspid valve with mild-to-moderate regurgitation (C). The sub-pulmonary lesion was in the path of the high-velocity left-to-right jet through the ventricular septal defect (D; Supplementary data online, Video S1), explaining the unusual location. Patient had persistent bacteremia despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and eventually developed haemoptysis and acute respiratory failure requiring intubation. At repeat TEE showed interval increase in the size of the sub-pulmonic vegetations. In the absence of haemodynamically significant lesions, the multidisciplinary team recommended percutaneous transcatheter mechanical vegectomy rather than surgical intervention.

Role of cerebral imaging on diagnosis and management in patients with suspected infective endocarditis.

Cerebral embolic events (CEEs) are common complications of infective endocarditis (IE) and their presence can modify diagnosis and therapeutic plans. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of cerebral imaging (Cer-Im) on diagnosis and management of patients with suspected IE. This study was conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland, from January 2014 to June 2022. CEEs and IE were defined according to modified Duke criteria of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Among 573 patients with IE suspicion and Cer-Im, 239 (42%) patients had neurological symptoms. At least one CEE was found in 254 (44%) episodes. Based on Cer-Im findings, episodes were reclassified from rejected to possible or from possible to definite IE in 3 (1%) and 25 (4%) patients, respectively (0% and 2% in asymptomatic patients, respectively). Among the 330 patients with possible or definite IE, at least one CEE was found in 187 (57%) episodes. A new surgical indication (in association with left-side vegetation >10mm) was established in 74/330 (22%) IE patients; 30/155 (19%) asymptomatic IE patients, respectively. Cer-Im in asymptomatic patients with IE suspicion showed limited potential for improving the diagnosis of IE. Contrariwise, performing Cer-Im in asymptomatic patients with IE may be useful for decision making, since Cer-Im findings led to the establishment of new operative indication for valvular surgery in one fifth of patients according to ESC guidelines.

Current Views on Infective Endocarditis: Changing Epidemiology, Improving Diagnostic Tools and Centering the Patient for Up-to-Date Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease, sometimes with longstanding sequels among surviving patients. The population at high risk of IE is represented by patients with underlying structural heart disease and/or intravascular prosthetic material. Taking into account the increasing number of intravascular and intracardiac procedures associated with device implantation, the number of patients at risk is growing too. If bacteremia develops, infected vegetation on the native/prosthetic valve or any intracardiac/intravascular device may occur as the final result of invading microorganisms/host immune system interaction. In the case of IE suspicion, all efforts must be focused on the diagnosis as IE can spread to almost any organ in the body. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of IE might be difficult and require a combination of clinical examination, microbiological assessment and echocardiographic evaluation. There is a need of novel microbiological and imaging techniques, especially in cases of blood culture-negative. In the last few years, the management of IE has changed. A multidisciplinary care team, including experts in infectious diseases, cardiology and cardiac surgery, namely, the Endocarditis Team, is highly recommended by the current guidelines.

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.

Abstract 15255: Clinical Risk Factors for Infective Endocarditis in Patients With Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia and the Diagnostic Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Background: Approximately 25% of patients with staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) develop infective endocarditis (IE), which has a consequent mortality of 46%. Current guidelines recommend routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for patients with SAB; transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is reserved for those patients in whom initial TTE is negative and clinical suspicion for IE remains high. We sought to elucidate high risk features of SAB associated with the development of IE that warrant a TEE after a negative TTE. Methods: This retrospective study included 213 patients who were diagnosed with SAB at the University of New Mexico Hospital between 2010-2020. A pre-determined list of clinical risk factors along with TTE and TEE status was extracted from the electronic medical record (Table 1). Our primary outcome was the development of IE in patients with SAB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify clinical risk factors for IE. Sensitivity and specificity of TTE and TEE was also calculated (Table 1). Results: Out of 213 patients with SAB, 68 patients met diagnostic criteria for infectious endocarditis. Most patients (n=209) underwent TTE and 117 patients underwent subsequent TEE. Initial TTE was diagnostic in 42 patients with a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 94%; 45 patients had a diagnostic TEE with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 98%. Multivariate analysis showed significantly increased risk of IE in patients who had a permanent pacemaker (aOR 32.3, CI 5.23 - 281, p<0.001) or a persistent fever (aOR 6.97, CI 2.42 - 21.0, P<0.001). Conclusions: The routine use of TEE in patients with SAB for the diagnosis of IE may not be necessary and introduces unnecessary procedural risk. Based on our analysis, we recommend that SAB patients with a permanent pacemaker (or other intracardiac prosthetic) or a persistent fever despite appropriate antibiotic therapy be screened with TEE when initial TTE is negative.

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.

Very early infective endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Scarce data exist about early infective endocarditis (IE) after trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The objective was to evaluate the characteristics, management, and outcomes of very early (VE) IE (≤ 30days) after TAVR. This multicenter study included a total of 579 patients from the Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International Registry who had the diagnosis of definite IE following TAVR. Ninety-one patients (15.7%) had VE-IE. Factors associated with VE-IE (vs. delayed IE (D-IE)) were female gender (p = 0.047), the use of self-expanding valves (p < 0.001), stroke (p = 0.019), and sepsis (p < 0.001) after TAVR. Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogen among VE-IE patients (35.2% vs. 22.7% in the D-IE group, p = 0.012), and 31.2% of Staphylococcus aureus infections in the VE-IE group were methicillin-resistant (vs. 14.3% in the D-IE group, p = 0.001). The second-most common germ was enterococci (34.1% vs. 24.4% in D-IE cases, p = 0.05). VE-IE was associated with very high in-hospital (44%) and 1-year (54%) mortality rates. Acute renal failure following TAVR (p = 0.001) and the presence of a non-enterococci pathogen (p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of death. A significant proportion of IE episodes following TAVR occurs within a few weeks following the procedure and are associated with dismal outcomes. Some baseline and TAVR procedural factors were associated with VE-IE, and Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci were the main causative pathogens. These results may help to select the more appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis in TAVR procedures and guide the initial antibiotic therapy in those cases with a clinical suspicion of IE. Very early infective endocarditis after trans-catheter aortic valve replacement. VE-IE indicates very early infective endocarditis (≤30 days post TAVR). D-IE indicates delayed infective endocarditis.

Suggested modification of the recommendations for echocardiography in patients with clinical suspicion of infective endocarditis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is usually the initial imaging modality, however transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is often necessary because of its higher sensitivity for IE compared with TTE. Yet, TOE has an increased risk of complications. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has established guidelines for the management of IE with recommendations for the use of TOE in patients with clinical suspicion of IE. Purpose This project aims to evaluate the ESC recommendations for the use of TOE in patients with clinical suspicion of IE. The purpose of the study is further to examine whether the ESC recommendations for TOE among patients with clinical suspicion of IE result in an unnecessarily large number of negative TOE examinations. Methods All TOE examinations performed due to referrals of patients with clinical suspicion of IE between 1 May 2019 and 30 April 2020 at a university hospital in our city were analysed. The variables included for analysis were age; sex; cardiac comorbidities; prosthetic valves; blood culture results; results from TTE and TOE; number of TOEs during the inclusion period; Duke criteria. The TOE and TTE results were compared in relation to the ESC guidelines. Results In total 195 TOE examinations from 160 patients were included, of which 61 (31%) TOEs were positive for IE. All examinations were of patients with clinical suspicion of IE, of which 37 (19%) had negative TTE. Of the 37 patients with negative TTE, 13 had prosthetic valve or intracardiac device of which 5 had positive TOE. All the 24 (12%) examinations with negative TTE and no prosthetic valve or intracardiac device had negative TOE. Conclusions The ESC recommendations for TOE in patients with clinical suspicion of IE are probably broad enough not to miss patients with IE, but there might be an unnecessarily large number of patients that get referred for TOE with negative results. To avoid this, we propose a modification of the recommendations for TOE in patients with clinical suspicion of IE. Negative TTE examination with good image quality and no indications for TOE according to Fig 1, could result in avoiding unnecessary TOE examinations without jeopardizing the IE diagnosis. Abstract Figure. Fig 1

Nuclear Imaging in Infective Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease with stable prevalence despite prophylactic, diagnostic, and therapeutic advances. In parallel to the growing number of cardiac devices implanted, the number of patients developing IE on prosthetic valves and cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) is increasing at a rapid pace. The diagnosis of IE is particularly challenging, and currently relies on the Duke-Li modified classification, which include clinical, microbiological, and imaging criteria. While echocardiography remains the first line imaging technique, especially in native valve endocarditis, the incremental value of two nuclear imaging techniques, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) and white blood cells single photon emission tomography with computed tomography (WBC-SPECT), has emerged for the management of prosthetic valve and CIED IE. In this review, we will summarize the procedures for image acquisition, discuss the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WBC-SPECT imaging in different clinical situations of IE, and review the respective diagnostic performance of these nuclear imaging techniques and their integration into the diagnostic algorithm for patients with a suspicion of IE.

Blood Cultures for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis: What Is the Benefit of Prolonged Incubation?

To assess the need for prolonged incubation of blood culture bottles beyond five days for the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis (IE), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 6109 sets of two blood culture bottles involving 1211 patients admitted to the Henri Mondor University Hospital for suspicion of IE between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. Among the 322 patients with IE, 194 had positive blood cultures in our centre. Only one patient with a time-to-positivity blood culture of more than 120 h (5 days) was found. The main cause for the 22 patients with positive blood cultures after five days was contamination with Cutibacterium acnes. Our results do not support extending the duration of incubation of blood culture bottles beyond five days for the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis, with the exception of patients with risk factors for C. acnes infection.

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.

Tricuspid valve endocarditis: Cardiovascular imaging evaluation and management.

Right-sided infective endocarditis is an increasingly recognized disease entity, with tricuspid valve being most frequently involved. Risk factors for tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVIE) include intravenous drug use, cardiac implantable electronic devices and indwelling catheters. Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant causative organism in TVIE. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) is based on clinical manifestations, blood cultures, and the presence of valvular vegetations detected by echocardiography. Complementary imaging is helpful when there is ongoing clinical suspicion for IE following initially negative echocardiography. Multislice computed tomography allows for assessment of extra-cardiac complications in TVIE, including pulmonary septic emboli. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and radiolabelled white blood cell, single-photon emission computed tomography provide important clinical information concerning the presence of IE in right-sided prosthetic valves or cardiac implantable electronic devices. The aim of this review is to provide an update on TVIE, discussing the role of multimodality imaging in TVIE and the management of these patients.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS PRESENTING AS MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN A YOUNG MALE WITH RECENT DENTAL WORK

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) has been increasing in U.S., likely due to increased age, valvular diseases and cardiac device implantation or valve replacements. Here, we present a case of infective endocarditis with uncommon presentation, unusual risk factors and rapidly progressing course that is important for clinicians to consider in their clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old healthy man, without smoking or drug use, presented for altered mental status and fever for 1-2 days. His initial vitals were significant for a temperature of 103.8˚F. On exam, he was oriented x2, had conjunctival petechiae, a fixed dental expander, a soft systolic murmur and petechial rash over his body. CSF studies suggested bacterial meningitis, but gram stain was negative. CT head showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was started on ceftriaxone, vancomycin and steroids for likely meningococcal meningitis. His blood cultures grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. He developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and elevation in troponin to 41.26 ng/dL. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a stenotic aortic valve suggestive of bicuspid valve without vegetations. CT chest/abdomen/pelvis showed infarcts within the spleen, kidneys and mesentery. His clinical condition further declined and EKG revealed a prolonged P-R interval. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a large aortic valve vegetation and aortic root abscess. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for early surgical intervention with abscess drainage and aortic valve replacement. Patient was successfully discharged home with antibiotics and warfarin. DISCUSSION: The initial presentation of fever, malaise, altered mental status and petechial rash in a young person was suspicion for meningococcal meningitis. One study of patients with IE showed 6% had encephalopathy/meningitis and 4% had hemorrhages. These complications were seen particularly with vegetations ≥3cm and S. aureus infections, similar to this patient. It is imperative to have high suspicion for IE in any infected patient with generalized CNS symptoms. Our patient lacked known risk factors for IE, thus a detailed physical examination is paramount in patients with a high index of suspicion. Presence of a dental implant provided us the initial clue towards this key diagnosis. Few studies show causation of dental procedures and risk of developing IE. This is another rare example. We report successful treatment of a rapidly progressive disease with early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics and early surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required to quickly diagnosis IE. A detailed physical examination is paramount for correct diagnosis. TEE is superior to bedside TTE in such cases. IE can be complicated with intracardiac abscesses, septic shock, and presence of SAH. REFERENCE #1: Sexton, Daniel, and Vivian Chu. "Native Valve Endocarditis: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Microbiology." UpToDate, 7 Oct. 2020, www.uptodate.com/contents/native-valve-endocarditis-epidemiology-risk-factors-and-microbiology?search=causes+of+enodcarditis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. REFERENCE #2: Thanavaro, Kristin L., and J.V. (Ian) Nixon. "Endocarditis 2014: An Update." Heart & Lung, Mosby, 26 Apr. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147956314000788. REFERENCE #3: McDonald, Jay R. "Acute Infective Endocarditis." Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726828/. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Michelle Zur, source=Web Response