P1299 Right sided infective endocarditis with paradoxical embolization
Authors: Hammad B , Abayazeed R , Elbadry A , Hisham N , Elsharkawy E 
Published: January 2020

Background

Right sided infective endocarditis (IE) accounts for 5-10% of IE cases, systemic embolization is uncommon and if present it is linked to the presence of shunt or concomitant left sided IE.

Clinical presentation

A 35-years old gentleman with history of heroin intravenous drug abuse (IV), presented with a history of unexplained fever for two weeks along with exertional dyspnea, productive cough, chest pain and severe left hypochondria pain. On examination he had a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg, a heart rate of 130 bpm, a temperature of 40oC, elevated jugular venous pressure and a harsh pansystolic murmur over the lower left sternal border. Laboratory results revealed anaemia, leukocytosis elevated ESR and CRP and blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia and abdomen computed tomography scan revealed multiple splenic infarctions.

Methods and results

2D&3DTrans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) revealed the presence of an echogenic elongated highly mobile mass measures 2.0 cm in maximum dimension attached to the atrial surface of the anterior tricuspid valve leaflet a long with severe valvular regurgitation. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) was visualized by Color Doppler and right to left shunt was confirmed by contrast study with a complete opacification of the left side. The left ventricle dimensions were normal , there was an evidence of hyokinesis of inter-ventricular septum (IVS) and inferior wall and function was reduced, estimated LVEF = 45%. Hence, coronary angiography was done and revealed normal coronaries. 3D Trans-esophageal Echocardiography(TEE) was done for better visualization of the interatrial septum (IAS), vegetation and to rule out complications. The study confirmed the presence of PFO, there was no concomitant IAS defects, the vegetation is highly mobile and facing the IAS. Accordingly, patient was diagnosed with tricuspid infective endocarditis complicated with paradoxical embolization, anti-biotics were commenced and patient underwent successful tricuspid valve replacement and PFO closure.

Discussion

Tricuspid valve endocarditis has been linked to IV drug abuse and staphylococcus aureus has been recognized as the most commonly implicated organism. While systemic emboli are rare in right sided IE, our patient represent this uncommon complication. He had multiple splenic infractions and TTE contrast study showed PFO with a high degree of right to left shunt. Coronary embolization was a suspect in our patient as well given the presence of regional wall motion abnormalities involving the left ventricle inferior wall and IVS.

Conclusion

Echocardiography is a crucial imaging modality in patient with long standing fever and history of IV drug abuse to rule out infective endocarditis. 3D-TEE is of added value along with TTE in better definition of vegetations and detection of infective endocarditis complication.

Abstract P1299 Figure. Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis