Introduction: There are very few documented cases of Escherichia coli endocarditis with cardiac abscesses in the literature. Here we describe a case presentation with diagnostic challenges and a multidisciplinary approach to management.
Case description: This is a rare presentation of E. coli endocarditis in a patient with a prosthetic aortic valve. Initial tests were inconclusive and further investigation with transoesophageal echocardiography was required to make the diagnosis. Despite initial improvement, the patient deteriorated and ultimately died of complications related to the presentation.
Discussion/conclusion: E. coli is a rare causative organism for endocarditis, which can itself be difficult to diagnose. A multidisciplinary approach to investigation and treatment is required when infective endocarditis is suspected. Transoesophageal echocardiography may be required to diagnose endocarditis when there is a strong clinical suspicion and risk factors present.
Learning points: Infective endocarditis should be thoroughly investigated for in cases where there is a high clinical suspicion, but atypical organisms grown in blood cultures.A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) may be a better imaging modality when endocarditis is strongly suspected, in comparison to a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).Escherichia coli endocarditis carries a high mortality rate, and early intervention is key in managing patients presenting with suspected endocarditis.
Keywords: Endocarditis; Escherichia coli; echocardiogram.
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