Heterogeneidad del tratamiento para cándida parapsilosis en endocarditis micótica de válvula nativa / Types of treatments for native-valve endocarditis due to candida parapsilosis

Introducción: las infecciones por cándida en el ámbito intrahospitalario han ido en ascenso en las últimas décadas en especial en las unidades de cuidado intensivo (UCI), dado el uso cada vez más frecuente de antibióticos de amplio espectro y de procedimientos invasivos tanto diagnósticos como terapéuticos. Hoy se consideran las especies de cándida como la cuarta causa de infección del torrente sanguíneo en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, con alto riesgo de complicaciones que incluyen endocarditis, trombosis y embolismo séptico al sistema nervioso central (SNC) entre otros. En relación con la endocarditis por especies de cándida, se ha considerado de mal pronóstico por el alto riesgo de afectación al SNC, por lo que se ha recomendado el manejo quirúrgico como piedra angular de su tratamiento. Presentación del caso: se describe el caso clínico de un paciente con endocarditis y con candidemia por Candida parapsilosis a quien se le realizó manejo médico.

Nosocomial Candida infections have increased in the last decades particularly in the intensive care units (ICU) due to the rise in broad-spectrum antibiotics usage and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures usage. Today, Candida species are recognized as the fourth causative organisms of endovascular infection in the United States of America posing a high risk of endocarditis, thrombosis and septic embolization to the central nervous system (CNS). Endocarditis due to Candida species is associated with a poor prognosis because of the increased risk of CNS involvement for which surgical approach has been recommended as the cornerstone of therapy. We hereby report a patient with endocarditis and candidemia due to Candida parapsilosis, who received medical management.

Replacement of the native mitral valve due to endocarditis caused by stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Abstract We report a case of a 59-year-old female patient with vegetative native mitral valve endocarditis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM). She had hemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure, but no immunosuppressive disease. Echocardiography showed mobile vegetation on her native mitral valve. Right femoral artery embolectomy and mitral valve replacement were performed simultaneously. She awakened from anesthesia, but she passed away due to septic shock complications. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case in whom native mitral valve endocarditis caused by SM was observed (despite of absence of any immunosuppressive event) and needed to undergo valve replacement.

Endocarditis infecciosa nativa en pediatría: enfoque clínico cardiológico / Native valve infective endocarditis in children: From the focus of clinical cardiology

Objetivos: Analizar las características demográficas, clínicas, microbiológicas, evolución y factores de riesgo de morbimortalidad asociados a la endocarditis de válvula nativa (EIN) en pacientes (p) pediátricos. Población y métodos: Se evaluaron 176 p con EIN, divididos en grupo I: <3meses (27p) y grupo II: >3meses (149p). Resultados: Grupo I: el 66% tenía corazón sano. El microorganismo más frecuente fue Staphylococcus aureus (44,4%). Afectación derecha (77,8%-p<0,0001). Evento principal: infección no controlada (INC) (52%, p=0,0009) y asociada a Candida (p<0,00001). Se indicó tratamiento quirúrgico a 10 p (37%). Mortalidad 29,6%(8p). Grupo II: el 57% presentaba cardiopatía previa. Microorganismos prevalentes: S.aureus (49,1%) y estreptococos del grupo viridans (22,5%). Hubo compromiso predominantemente izquierdo (p=0,001). Eventos: embolias sistémicas (36,2%-p=0,01), perforación valvular (51%-p=0,0005), insuficiencia cardíaca (26%-p=0,03) e INC (21,5%). La embolia sistémica se asoció a S.aureus (p=0,01). El 36,2% requirió cirugía. Mortalidad 6,7% (10p). En el análisis univariado la mortalidad se asoció a edad <3meses (p=0,0003), INC (p=0,002) y S.aureus (p=0,03). En el multivariado la mortalidad se relacionó a edad < 3meses (OR:7,50 ­IC95%:1,77­31,69) y a INC (OR:4,2-IC95%:1,16­15,29). Conclusiones: La EN se presentó en pacientes con corazón sano en el 50% de los casos. El microorganismo más frecuente fue S.aureus. En los <3 meses la infección no controlada fue la complicación más frecuente asociada a Candida, con afectación predominante de cavidades derechas. Los >3meses tuvieron mayor prevalencia de perforación valvular izquierda asociada a embolias sistémicas e insuficiencia cardíaca. El 35% de los p requirió cirugía. Los predictores de mortalidad fueron la edad <3meses y la INC.

Objectives: To analyze demographic, clinical, and microbiological, outcome, and morbidity and mortality risk factors associated with native valve endocarditis (NVE) in pediatric patients (p). Population and methods: 176 p with NVE were evaluated and divided into group I: <3 months (27p) and group II: >3 months (149p). Results: Group I: 66% had a healthy heart. The most common microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (44.4%). Right-sided involvement (77.8%-p<0.0001). Main event: Uncontrolled infection (UCI) (52%, p-0.0009) and association with Candida (p<0.00001). Surgical treatment was indicated in 10 p (37%). Mortality was 29.6% (8p). Group II: 57% had previous heart disease. Prevalent microorganisms: S. aureus (49.1%) and viridans group streptococci ( (22.5%). Left-sided involvement predominated (p-0.001). Events: systemic embolism (36.2%-p-0.01), valve perforation (51%-p-0.0005), heart failure (26%-p-0.03), and UCI (21.5%). Systemic embolism was associated with S. aureus infection (p-0.01). 36.2% required surgery. Mortality was 6.7% (10p). In univariate analysis, mortality was associated with age <3 months (p-0.0003), UCI (p-0.002), and S. aureus infection (p-0.03). In multivariate analysis, mortality was related to age <3 months (OR:7.50 ­ 95% CI:1.77­31.69) and UCI (OR:4.2 -95% CI:1.16­15.29). Conclusions: NVE was observed in patients with a healthy heart in 50% of cases. The most common microorganism found was S. aureus. In the <3 months group, uncontrolled infection was the most common complication associated with Candida, predominantly affecting the right side. The >3 months group had a higher prevalence of left-valve perforation associated with systemic embolism and heart failure. 35% of p required surgery. Predictors of mortality were age <3 months and UC (AU)

Endocarditis infecciosa fatal por Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum / Letal endocarditis due to Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum

We present a case report of a infective endocarditis by Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum in a young patient eight years old with bicuspid aortic valve that led to a severe neurological embolism and death. Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum is part of the nasopharyngeal and skin flora. However, there are cases reported of endocarditis usually associated with immunocompromised patients that mostly presented a poor clinical outcome.

Se presenta el caso clínico de una endocarditis infecciosa por Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum en un niño de 8 años, portador de una valvulopatía aórtica bicúspide, que falleció por una embolia cerebral grave. Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum forma parte de la microbiota de la piel y nasofaringe. Sin embargo, se han descrito casos de endocarditis en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, asociados, en su mayoría, a una mala evolución clínica.

Endocardite pneumocócica em válvula aórtica nativa - apresentação fulminante / Native aortic valve pneumococcal endocarditis - fulminant presentation

RESUMO A endocardite pneumocócica é uma entidade rara, cuja incidência se situa entre 1% e 3% dos casos de endocardite de válvula nativa. Esta patologia tem um prognóstico naturalmente adverso, com elevada mortalidade. Relata-se predileção pela válvula aórtica, de forma que é frequente que se apresente com insuficiência cardíaca. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino com 60 anos de idade e história pregressa de sinusite, admitida com diagnóstico de pneumonia. Após rápida deterioração, com sinais de choque séptico, ela foi transferida para a unidade de terapia intensiva. O ecocardiograma transesofágico revelou grave refluxo aórtico, devido à presença de vegetações valvares. As hemoculturas foram positivas para Streptococcus pneumoniae. A paciente foi submetida à cirurgia cardíaca e apresentou múltiplas complicações pós-operatórias. Apesar disso, apresentou lenta, porém completa recuperação. A endocardite infecciosa deve ser afastada em caso do surgimento de qualquer suspeita, e a ecocardiografia deve ser realizada precocemente nos pacientes com resposta insuficiente aos vasopressores e inotrópicos. Pacientes com endocardite pneumocócica se beneficiam de uma abordagem agressiva, com realização precoce da intervenção cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT Pneumococcal endocarditis is a rare entity, corresponding to 1 to 3% of native valve endocarditis cases. It has a typically adverse prognosis, with high mortality. There is a reported predilection for the aortic valve; thus, a common presentation is acute left heart failure. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of sinusitis, who was admitted with the diagnosis of pneumonia. She rapidly deteriorated with signs of septic shock and was transferred to the critical care unit. The transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe aortic regurgitation due to valve vegetations. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. She underwent cardiac surgery and had multiple postoperative complications. Nonetheless, the patient made a slow and complete recovery. Infectious endocarditis should be ruled out if any suspicion arises, and echocardiography should be performed in an early stage in patients with poor response to vasopressors and inotropes. Patients with pneumococcal endocarditis benefit from an aggressive approach, with performance of early surgery.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (Mbl2) gene polymorphisms are related to protein plasma levels, but not to heart disease and infection by Chlamydia

The presence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 of the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene was evaluated in a sample of 159 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (71 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery and 300 control subjects) to investigate a possible association between polymorphisms and heart disease with Chlamydia infection. The identification of the alleles B and D was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and of the allele C was accomplished through PCR assays followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme. The comparative analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies between the three groups did not reveal any significant difference, even when related to previous Chlamydia infection. Variations in the MBL plasma levels were influenced by the presence of polymorphisms, being significantly higher in the group of cardiac patients, but without representing a risk for the disease. The results showed that despite MBL2 gene polymorphisms being associated with the protein plasma levels, the polymorphisms were not enough to predict the development of heart disease, regardless of infection with both species of Chlamydia.

Endocardite aórtica e tricúspide em pacientes de hemodiálise com embolia sistêmica e pulmonar / Aortic and tricuspid endocarditis in hemodialysis patient with systemic and pulmonary embolism

RESUMO Este artigo relata o caso de um homem caucasiano de 43 anos de idade com nefropatia terminal em tratamento com hemodiálise e apresentando endocardite infecciosa das válvulas aórtica e tricúspide. O quadro clínico foi dominado pelo comprometimento neurológico, devido à embolia cerebral e a componentes hemorrágicos. Uma tomografia computadorizada tóraco-abdominal revelou um êmbolo séptico pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido à antibioticoterapia empírica utilizando ceftriaxona, gentamicina e vancomicina, sendo o tratamento modificado para flucloxacilina e gentamicina após o isolamento de S. aureus nas hemoculturas. A equipe multidisciplinar determinou que o paciente deveria ser submetido à substituição de válvulas após estabilização da hemorragia intracraniana; contudo, no oitavo dia após a hospitalização, o paciente entrou em parada cardíaca causada por embolia séptica pulmonar maciça, vindo a falecer. Apesar do risco de agravamento da lesão hemorrágica cerebral, em pacientes de alto risco deveria ser considerado realizar precocemente uma intervenção cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a 43-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage renal disease being treated with hemodialysis and infective endocarditis in the aortic and tricuspid valves. The clinical presentation was dominated by neurologic impairment with cerebral embolism and hemorrhagic components. A thoracoabdominal computerized tomography scan revealed septic pulmonary embolus. The patient underwent empirical antibiotherapy with ceftriaxone, gentamicin and vancomycin, and the therapy was changed to flucloxacilin and gentamicin after the isolation of S. aureus in blood cultures. The multidisciplinary team determined that the patient should undergo valve replacement after the stabilization of the intracranial hemorrhage; however, on the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient entered cardiac arrest due to a massive septic pulmonary embolism and died. Despite the risk of aggravation of the hemorrhagic cerebral lesion, early surgical intervention should be considered in high-risk patients.

Rothia aeria endocarditis in a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve: case report

Rothia aeria is an uncommon pathogen mainly associated with endocarditis in case reports. In previous reports, endocarditis by R. aeria was complicated by central nervous system embolization. In the case we report herein, endocarditis by R. aeria was diagnosed after acute self-limited diarrhea. In addition to the common translocation of R. aeria from the oral cavity, we hypothesize the possibility of intestinal translocation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and genetic sequencing are important tools that can contribute to early and more accurate etiologic diagnosis of severe infections caused by Gram-positive rods.

Doença periodontal em portadoras de valvopatia durante a gravidez: estudo clínico e microbiológico / Periodontal disease in pregnant patients with rheumatic valvular disease: clinical and microbiological study / Enfermedad periodontal en portadoras de valvopatía durante la gravidez: estudio clínico y microbiológico

FUNDAMENTO: A doença periodontal representa risco à gestante portadora de valvopatia reumática, seja para contrair endocardite infecciosa, seja por propiciar complicações obstétricas. OBJETIVO: Estudar a frequência da doença periodontal em portadoras de valvopatia reumática durante a gravidez. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 140 gestantes, comparáveis quanto a idade e o nível socioeconômico, divididas em: 70 portadoras de doença valvar reumática e 70 mulheres saudáveis. Todas se submeteram a: 1) avaliação clínica odontológica que incluiu a análise dos seguintes parâmetros: 1.1) profundidade à sondagem, 1.2) distância da linha esmalte-cemento à margem gengival, 1.3) nível clínico de inserção, 1.4) índice de sangramento, 1.5) índice de placa bacteriana, e, 1.6) comprometimento de furca; e, 2) exame microbiológico nas amostras de saliva e do cone que considerou o controle positivo para as cepas das bactérias Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsithia e Aggregobacter actinomycetemcomitans. RESULTADOS: A lesão valvar mitral foi prevalente (65 casos = 92,8 por cento) dentre as gestantes cardiopatas. A comparação entre os grupos mostrou não haver diferenças entre idade e a paridade, e embora tenham sido verificadas diferenças entre as medidas da distância da linha esmalte-cemento à margem gengival (p = 0,01) e o índice de placa (p=0,04), a frequência da doença periodontal identificada em 20 (14,3 por cento) gestantes, não foi diferente entre os grupos (p = 0,147). O exame microbiológico mostrou uma proporção maior da bactéria P. gingivalis na saliva de gestantes saudáveis (p = 0,004). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo clínico e microbiológico periodontal durante a gravidez demonstrou igual frequência da doença periodontal em portadoras de valvopatia reumática quando comparada às mulheres saudáveis.

BACKGROUND: The periodontal disease during pregnancy of women with rheumatic valve disease imply infective endocarditis risks and higher rate of preterm birth and low birth weight. OBJECTIVE: To study the periodontal disease rate of women with rheumatic valve disease during pregnancy. METHODS: We studied 140 pregnant women who included 70 patients with rheumatic valve disease and 70 healthy women. The periodontal examination included: 1) periodontal clinical exam regard the follow variables: a) probing depth; b) gingival margin; c) clinical attachment level; d) bleeding on probing; e) plaque index and f) gingival index; and 2) microbiological test was performed in samples serum and gingival crevicular fluid and considered positive controls to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsithia e Aggregobacter actinomycetemcomitans. RESULTS: Age and parity were similar between groups; as single or combined the mitral valve disease was prevalent among the rheumatic valve lesion in 45 (32.1 percent) e 20 (28.5 percent) cases, respectively. Among the periodontal variables gingival margin (p=0.01) and plaque index (p=0.04) were different between groups. The periodontal disease was identified in 20 (14,3 percent) pregnant women, seven (10 percent) of them were patients with valve rheumatic disease and the remain 13 (18,6 percent) were healthy women, its percentual was not different between groups (p=0,147). Microbiological analyses of oral samples showed higher percentual of P. gingivalis in healthy pregnant women (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The clinical and microbiological study during pregnancy showed comparable incidence of periodontal disease between women with rheumatic valve disease and healthy women.

FUNDAMENTO: La enfermedad periodontal, caracterizada por el estado inflamatorio e infeccioso permanente de la cavidad oral, representa riesgo a la gestante portadora de valvopatía reumática, ya sea para contraer endocarditis infecciosa, el sea por propiciar complicaciones obstétricas, tales como aborto espontáneo y prematuridad. OBJETIVO:Estudiar la frecuencia de la enfermedad periodontal en portadoras de valvopatía reumática durante la gravidez. MÉTODOS: Fueron estudiadas 140 gestantes, divididas por edad y por nivel socioeconómico, en dos grupos: 70 portadoras de enfermedad valvar reumática y 70 mujeres sanas. Todas se sometieron a: 1) evaluación clínica odontológica que incluyó el análisis de los siguientes parámetros: 1.1) profundidad al sondaje, 1.2) distancia de la línea esmalte-cemento al margen gingival, 1.3) nivel clínico de inserción, 1.4) índice de sangrado, 1.5) índice de placa bacteriana, y, 1.6) compromiso de furca; y, 2) examen microbiológico en las muestras de saliva y del cono que consideró el control positivo para las cepas de las bacterias Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsithia y Aggregobacter actinomycetemcomitans. RESULTADOS:La edad y la paridad no fueron diferentes entre los grupos; la lesión valvar mitral fue prevalente (65 casos = 92,8 por ciento), tanto en la forma aislada (45 casos) cuanto asociada a la lesión valvar aórtica (20 casos). El análisis comparativo mostró que las medidas de la distancia de la línea esmalte-cemento al margen gingival (p = 0,01) y el índice de placa (p = 0,04) fueron diferentes entre los grupos; y la frecuencia de la enfermedad periodontal identificada en 20 (14,3 por ciento) gestantes, de las cuales 7 eran reumáticas (10,0 por ciento) y 13 sanas (18,6 por ciento), no fue diferente entre los grupos (p = 0,147). El examen microbiológico mostró una proporción mayor de la bacteria P. gingivalis en la saliva de gestantes sanas (p = 0,004). CONCLUSIÓN:El estudio clínico y microbiológico periodontal durante la gravidez demostró igual frecuencia de enfermedad periodontal en portadoras de valvopatía reumática cuando fueron comparadas a las mujeres sanas.

Native valve endocarditis caused by coagulase negative staphylococci; an appeal to start outpatient antimicrobial therapy: an unusual case report

Coagulase negative staphylococci [CNS] were a rare cause of native valve endocarditis. However, they are emerging as an important cause of native valve endocarditis [NVE] in both community and healthcare settings. We describe a 64 yrs. old male who developed mitral valve endocarditis caused by coagulase negative staphylococci. There were no predisposing conditions or underlying cardiac disease that could have been the risk factor for the development of native valve infection. The patient had good recovery after six weeks of treatment with anti-staphylococcal antibiotics

Endocardite infecciosa com apresentação inicial de abdome agudo / Infective endocarditis with initial presentation of acute abdomen

Paciente de 35 anos de idade foi atendido em Serviço de Emergência com seis horas de dor em fossa ilíaca direita e febre. Feita hipótese diagnóstica de apendicite aguda e realizada laparotomia exploradora. com apendicectomia. O paciente retornou ao hospital três dias após alta hospitalar. prostrado. febril. com alteração de fala. diminuição de nível de consciência e com hemiparesia completa à esquerda. CT scan de crânio e punção de líquor normal. RMN de encéfalo revelou aspectos compatíveis com AVC isquêmico vertebro-basilar. Ecocardiograma transesofágico demonstrou vegetação em valva aórtica e insuficiência aórtica moderada e hemoculturas foram positivas para Enterococcus bovis.

A 35-year-old patient was seen in an Emergency Department. with six hours of pain in the right iliac fossa and fever. The hypothesis diagnosis was acute appendicitis and an exploring laparotomy for appendectomy was carried out. The patient returned to the hospital three days after having been discharged. debilitated. feverish. having alterations in speech. reduction in the level of consciousness and complete hemiparesis to the left. The computed tomography scan of the skull and the liquor puncture were normal. Cerebral magnetic resonance image showed aspects compatible with vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke. Transesphofagic echocardiogram showed vegetation of the aortic valve and moderate aortic insufficiency. Blood cultures were positive for Enterococcus bovis.

Cirurgia da endocardite em valva aórtica: opção para tratamento de abscesso aórtico / Surgery for Aortic Valve endocarditis: treatment options for aortic abscess

FUNDAMENTO: A grande diversidade de apresentações anatômicas encontradas em pacientes com endocardite infecciosa, especialmente nos que desenvolvem abscessos do anel aórtico ou fistulas intracardíacas, tem sido um complicador para o tratamento cirúrgico dessa doença. Por esse motivo, os cirurgiões têm desenvolvido opções táticas para sua correção. A consciência geral de que a retirada do tecido infectado promove uma limpeza radical, o aparecimento de colas biológicas que facilitam o fechamento dos abscessos e o surgimento de novos substitutos valvares melhoraram o resultado do tratamento. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar mais uma opção no tratamento do abscesso aórtico, para casos selecionados, tubo valvulado em posição infra-coronariana. MÉTODOS: Empreendemos a técnica em três pacientes: em dois, empregamos tubo valvulado com prótese mecânica, e em um, com prótese biológica. Dois pacientes necessitaram procedimentos associados com troca da valva mitral em um deles e plástica da valva tricúspide no outro. Todos eram reoperações de próteses em posição aórtica. RESULTADOS: A evolução cirúrgica e pós-operatória imediata foi satisfatória com os três recebendo alta da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva para o quarto. Um dos pacientes evoluiu para óbito durante a internação em razão de co-morbidades graves que já apresentava no pré-operatório, relacionadas a varizes de esôfago e comprometimento hepático. Os outros dois apresentam boa evolução no pós-operatório tardio. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos que essa opção seja mais uma alternativa para o tratamento de abscessos com grande comprometimento de estruturas do anel aórtico e da continuidade mitro-aórtica.

BACKGROUND: Patients with infective endocarditis show a large diversity of anatomical presentations, which has been a complicating factor for the surgical treatment of this condition, especially in those who develop abscesses in the aortic ring or intracardiac fistulae. For this reason, surgeons have been developing tactical options to repair it. There is consensus around the fact that the removal of infected tissue promotes radical cleaning, and that the outcome of the treatment has been improved by the manufacture of biological glues which facilitate the closure of abscesses and by the creation of new valve replacements. OBJECTIVE:To demonstrate yet one more treatment option for aortic abscess for selected cases: a valved conduit placed in infra-coronary position. METHODS: We employed the technique in three patients: in two of them we employed a valved conduit with a mechanical prosthesis and in one of them a valved conduit with a biological prosthesis. Two patients needed associated procedures such as replacement of mitral valve in one of them and tricuspid valvoplasty in the other. All cases involved reoperation of prostheses in aortic position. RESULTS: The progression during surgery and in the early postoperative period was satisfactory and the three patients were discharged from the Intensive Care Unit and were sent to hospital rooms. One of the patients progressed to death during hospital stay due to severe comorbidities which were present in the preoperative period, and which related to esophageal varices and hepatic involvement. The other two progressed well in the late postoperative period. CONCLUSION: We believe that this option is yet one more alternative for the treatment of abscesses with great involvement of aortic ring structures and mitro-aortic continuity.

Pathology and pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease is on the rise. In India and other developing countries, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to be a major public health problem and contributes to significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. RHD in the juvenile age group namely juvenile mitral stenosis is a variant which is unique to the Indian subcontinent. Severe valve deformities lead to high morbidity and mortality. Despite various measures no appreciable decline in prevalence of RHD has been documented. At autopsy, mitral valve was most commonly affected either alone or in combination with aortic and tricuspid valves. Both functional and organic involvement of tricuspid valve was documented. It has been convincingly demonstrated that molecular mimicry between Streptococcus pyogenes antigen and human proteins lead to autoimmune reactions both humoral and cell mediated causing RF/RHD. Heart tissues namely the valves, left atrial appendage (LAA) and myocardium reveal variable amounts of infiltration by lymphocytes. Significant endocarditis and valvulitis is observed in these cases. CD4+ T cells are most likely the ultimate effectors of chronic valve lesions in RHD. They can recognize Streptococcal M5 protein peptides and produce various inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-4 which could be responsible for progressive fibrotic valvular lesions. Cardiac myosin has been defined as a putative autoantigen recognized by autoantibodies of RF patients. Cross reactivity between cardiac myosin and group A beta hemolytic Streptococcal M protein has been adequately demonstrated. Cardiac myosin has been shown to produce myocarditis in rats and mice. Valvulitis/ endocarditis has been observed in excised LAA, cardiac valves and in hearts at autopsy from cases of RHD. The disease predominantly affects the valvular endocardium culminating in crippling valve deformities. Endocardial infiltrate and their migration into the valve substance has been elegantly demonstrated in rats and mice. Immune responses against cardiac myosin lead to valvular heart disease and infiltration of the heart by Streptococcal M protein reactive T lymphocytes. Mitral valves showed various degrees of calcification. An interesting observation is the nature of calcification in diseased/distorted valves in RHD. Recent studies indicate that calcification is not merely an inactive, "dystrophic" process but involves a regulated inflammatory process associated with expression of osteoblast markers and neoangiogenesis. Increased plasma osteopontin levels correlated with severity of mitral valve calcification. Further evidence of inflammation is supported by high levels of advanced oxidation protein products and high sensitive C-reactive protein in plasma detected in patients with RHD. Presence of inflammatory cells and increased expression of several cytokines in cases of "end stage" RHD reflects a possible subclinical, ongoing insult/injury to some unrecognized antigenic stimulus by beta hemolytic Streptococcal antigens that have sensitized/primed the various target tissues and which further culminate in permanent valve deformities.

Endocardite em válvula de Eustáquio / Eustachian valve endocarditis

A endocardite em válvula de Eustáquio é uma condição rara, que ocorre geralmente em usuários de drogas injetáveis e em portadores de marcapasso ou cateter venoso central. Apresentamos um caso de paciente que, em pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com circulação extracorpórea, apresentou endocardite em válvula de Eustáquio diagnosticada pela ecocardiografia, sendo identificada Klebsiella pneumoniae à hemocultura. O paciente foi tratado com antibioticoterapia apropriada, apresentando resolução do quadro em quatro semanas.

Eustachian valve endocarditis is a rare condition that affects mostly injectable drug users and patients using pacemakers or central venous catheter. We describe the case of a patient who underwent myocardial revascularization with extracorporeal circulation and who presented Eustachian valve endocarditis in the postoperative period, diagnosed by echocardiogram. The blood culture identified Klebsiella pneumoniae. He received appropriate antibiotic therapy and presented resolution of the condition within four weeks.

Estudio retrospectivo de la endocarditis infecciosa en diferentes grupos de riesgo / Infective endocarditis in an internal medicine ward

Background: Due to the increasing number of intravenous drug users, subjects with immune deficiencies or with prosthetic valves, infective endocarditis (IE) continues to be prevalent and to have a high mortality. Aim: To review all cases of infective endocarditis diagnosed in an Internal Medicine Service. Material and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of all patients with infective endocarditis, hospitalized in an Internal Medicine ward, between 1989 and 2003. Dukes criteria were used to define definitive, possible and less probable cases of IE. Results: Eighty seven patients with definite IE were identified (66 males, age range 19-84 years), with a mean incidence of 5.3 per 1000 hospitalizations. IE in intravenous drugs users was usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus and presented high risk of embolism (RR: 3,21). Subjects aged over 70 years had a relative risk of mortality of 5.5. Hospital acquired IE was associated with advanced age and IV catheters appeared as the only predisposing factor. Patients with prosthetic valves were also older, their main complication was abscess formation and their mortality was higher. Conclusions: A closer approach to differential conditions of patients, according to age, intravenous drug use or the presence of prosthetic valves, is necessary

Achados ecocardiográficos em pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de endocardite infecciosa / Echocardiographic findings in patients with suspected infective endocarditis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados ecocardiográficos em pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de endocardite infecciosa. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos à investigação ecocardiográfica transtorácica e transesofágica 262 pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de endocardite infecciosa. Analisadas imagens de vegetações, abscessos valvares e insuficiência periprotética aguda e avaliada a correlação com dados clínicos, laboratoriais, categoria diagnóstica e a evolução hospitalar. RESULTADOS: O diagnóstico de endocardite foi categorizado como definido em 127 (47,8 por cento) episódios, possível em 81 (30,4 por cento) e rejeitado em 58 (21,8 por cento). Nos pacientes com o diagnóstico definido, foram identificadas 135 imagens de vegetações, 37 de abscesso e 6 de insuficiência periprotética. Vegetações foram mais freqüentes em pacientes com endocardite por estreptococos do grupo viridans e enterococos (p=0,02) e com duração dos sintomas < 10 dias (p= 0,001); abscesso mais freqüente em pacientes com duração dos sintomas < 10 dias (p= 0,001) e insuficiência periprotética associada à maior necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico (p=0,001). Nos pacientes com o diagnóstico possível de endocardite, foram identificadas 8 imagens ecocardiográficas consideradas compatíveis com vegetações e, nos pacientes com diagnóstico de endocardite rejeitado, não foram demonstradas vegetações, abscessos valvares e insuficiência periprotética. CONCLUSAO: Nossos achados ecocardiográficos variaram de acordo com a categoria diagnóstica. A contribuição tanto para o diagnóstico quanto para a avaliação prognóstica deve levar em consideração a probabilidade pré-teste do diagnóstico de endocardite infecciosa.

Endocarditis infecciosa en adictos a drogas intravenosas / Infective endocarditis in intravenous drug addicts

La endocarditis infecciosa es una complicación frecuente en sujetos adictos a drogas intravenosas, y es evidente que es un problema que se ha incrementado en años recientes como consecuencia al número cada vez mayor de adictos a drogas: Del primero de mayo de 1994 al primero de mayo de 1998, se revisaron retrospectivamente, los expedientes de los pacientes que ingresaron, al HGR No. 20 IMSS en la Cd. de Tijuana B.C., con el diagnóstico de alta probabilidad de endocarditis infecciosa. Todos tenían el antecedente de uso de drogas intravenosas. Se analizaron los datos acerca de su historia clínica, hallazgos microbiológicos, ecocardiográficos y quirúrgicos. Se revisó la evolución intrahospitalaria. Se incluyeron a 8 pacientes en el estudio. En ninguno se demostró historia previa de cardiopatía. La infección involucró a las válvulas cardíacas derechas en 62.5 por ciento, ambas válvulas cardíacas izquierdas en 12.5 por ciento, solamente una de las válvulas izquierdas 25 por ciento, y afectó de manera simultánea a las válvulas cardíacas derechas e izquierdas en 12.5 por ciento de los casos. Staphylococcus aureus fue el germen causal en el 50 por ciento de los casos. La sobrevida de la endocarditis infecciosa de cavidades derechas fue del 75 por ciento y sólo 25 por ciento requirió de intervención quirúrgica. La mortalidad de la infección en cavidades izquierdas fue del 75 por ciento y del 100 por ciento en infección de ambas cavidades. La endocarditis infecciosa en adictos a drogas, tiene en general un pronóstico favorable, cuando afecta a las cavidades derechas. Sin embargo, la morbi-mortalidad se incrementa cuando la infección afecta a cavidades izquierdas, y de manera simultánea en ambos lados del corazón.