An Atypical Temporal Sequence for Right Heart Endocarditis: Case Report

In 2010, an 82-year-old patient received a diagnosis of stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, severe secondary pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response, and severe tricuspid regurgitation. In December 2011, he was hospitalized for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The patient received antibiotics via injections (for 2 weeks through a peripheral venous catheter). In February 2012, he returned to the hospital with congestive heart failure and vascular purpura skin lesions. The echocardiography examination revealed a rupture of cordage afferent to the septal tricuspid valve. Because blood cultures were sterile after 10 days and no vegetation was revealed, the Duke criteria were not fulfilled. In March 2012, the patient returned with congestive heart failure, fatigue, and anorexia. Echocardiography evaluation then revealed attached septal tricuspid valve vegetation. The Duke criteria were now satisfied. The patient received antibiotics at doses recommended for infective endocarditis, with a favorable outcome.