Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis Caused by Enterococcus faecalis—Facing the Unpredictable
<b>Background:</b> Infective endocarditis is a severe, life-threatening condition which affects the endocardial lining of the heart. Right-sided IE typically affects the tricuspid valve and, less commonly, the pulmonary valve, often in association with intravenous drug use and intracardiac devices. <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, a significant pathogen in healthcare settings, is frequently resistant to several antibiotics, complicating treatment. <b>Results:</b> We present the case of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis, with no identifiable risk factors, good oral hygiene, and no recent dental procedures. In our case, the <i>E. faecalis</i> strain, initially susceptible to ampicillin, acquired resistance during high-dose ampicillin and gentamicin therapy, leading to cardiac surgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment. <b>Conclusions:</b> IPE is rare, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness and thorough diagnostic evaluation, especially in patients with endocarditis symptoms and known risk factors. Although ampicillin resistance in <i>E. faecalis</i> is uncommon, its emergence during treatment presents a challenge, necessitating careful antibiotic stewardship to improve outcomes.
Authors
- Ionela-Larisa Miftode (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4131-1019)
- Isabela Ioana Loghin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1327-6511)
- Radu-Ştefan Miftode (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2610-6482)
- Daniela Crișu
- Tudorița Gabriela Părângă (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8404-2771)
- A Vâţă (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8357-7048)
- Cătălina Luca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0991-8582)
- Ioana Maria Onofrei
- A Vasilescu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9865-5114)
Institutions
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
- Spitalul Clinic Judeţean de Urgenţe "Sf. Spiridon" Iaşi (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Antibiotics
- Published
- 2025-02-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030220
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35