Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis Caused by <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>—Facing the Unpredictable
<b>Background:</b> Infective endocarditis is a severe, life-threatening condition which affects the endocardial lining of the heart. Right-sided IE typically affects the tricuspid valve and, less commonly, the pulmonary valve, often in association with intravenous drug use and intracardi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Antibiotics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/14/3/220 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Infective endocarditis is a severe, life-threatening condition which affects the endocardial lining of the heart. Right-sided IE typically affects the tricuspid valve and, less commonly, the pulmonary valve, often in association with intravenous drug use and intracardiac devices. <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, a significant pathogen in healthcare settings, is frequently resistant to several antibiotics, complicating treatment. <b>Results:</b> We present the case of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis, with no identifiable risk factors, good oral hygiene, and no recent dental procedures. In our case, the <i>E. faecalis</i> strain, initially susceptible to ampicillin, acquired resistance during high-dose ampicillin and gentamicin therapy, leading to cardiac surgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment. <b>Conclusions:</b> IPE is rare, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness and thorough diagnostic evaluation, especially in patients with endocarditis symptoms and known risk factors. Although ampicillin resistance in <i>E. faecalis</i> is uncommon, its emergence during treatment presents a challenge, necessitating careful antibiotic stewardship to improve outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-6382 |