[Infectious endocarditis caused by Q fever. Apropos of a clinical case]

Rev Port Cardiol. 1996 Nov;15(11):799-803, 772.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Endocarditis is a rare, but some times fatal, complication of Q fever. Its diagnosis is difficult and it is based on non-specific cardiac findings and a high title of phase I antibodies. The treatment is based on tetracyclines alone or in combination with cotrimoxazole, for long periods of time. The therapeutic efficacy is evaluated by the measurement of phase I antibodies, every three months. The relapses are frequent despite the long period of antibiotic therapy. We report what is probably the first case of Q fever prosthesis endocarditis in Portugal, as a complication following an acute episode of Q fever.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Coxiella burnetii / immunology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve
  • Q Fever / complications*
  • Q Fever / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial