A Case of Listeria Monocytogenes Endocarditis in Apparently Healthy Adult

ABSTRACT

About 50 cases of Listeria monocytogenes endocarditis were reported in worldwide literature in 1950-1995. Though clinical and laboratory data suggest a similarity with other types of bacterial endocarditis, the prognosis is more unfavorable and the mortality rate is higher. However, there has not been a report in Korean literature. We report a case of 55 year-old male with rapidly progressive native aortic endocarditis caused by L. monocytogenes. He had neither history of underlying cardiac disease nor definitive predisposing factor. He presented mild dyspnes, chest pain and febrile sensation for a week. Echocardiography showed large vegetation in aortic valve and severe aortic regurgitation. L. monocytogenes grew on blood culture. We underwent artificial aortic valve replacement due to rapidly progessive heart failure. A thromboembolism occured at right femoral artery on postoperative 2nd day was removed successfully. He discharged without any sequellae.