Preoperative demonstration of aortocardiac fistula caused by aortic valve endocarditis using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography - A case report
Journal
Acta Cardiologica Sinica
Journal Volume
21
Journal Issue
2
Pages
116-120
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
Abstract
Despite advances in diagnostic modality and treatment, infective endocarditis is still a life-threatening disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Endocarditis of native aortic valve may invade the perivalvular tissue, causing a severe valvular regurgitation, conduction disturbances, and less commonly, the intracardiac fistula. We here report a 52-year-old woman with infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus capitis. Echocardiographic examination revealed severely destructed aortic valve with perivalvular invasion, resulting in an aortocardiac fistula into the right atrium. The initial hemodynamic status of the patient was so stable that a full-course of antibiotic treatment for 4 weeks could be completed. However, just one day before the scheduled operation, sudden onset of free aortic regurgitation resulted in an acute decompensated heart failure and prompted the patient to an emergent operation. Accurate preoperative diagnosis by 3D-echocardiography made the emergent surgical intervention smooth and successful.
SDGs
Other Subjects
vancomycin; adult; anamnesis; aorta valve disease; aorta valve regurgitation; aortocaval fistula; article; bacterial endocarditis; case report; clinical feature; female; heart failure; human; real time echography; Staphylococcus; staphylococcus capitis; three dimensional echocardiography
Type
journal article