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.

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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
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article

Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis Caused by Enterococcus faecalis—Facing the Unpredictable

Ionela-Larisa Miftode, Isabela Ioana Loghin, Radu-Ştefan Miftode, Daniela Crișu et al.
1 citations
Antibiotics
Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
1.35
article

Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis Caused by Enterococcus faecalis—Facing the Unpredictable

Ionela-Larisa Miftode, Isabela Ioana Loghin, Radu-Ştefan Miftode, Daniela Crișu, Tudorița Gabriela Părângă, A Vâţă, Cătălina Luca, Ioana Maria Onofrei, A Vasilescu
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<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.

AntibioticsVol. 14(3)
Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO), Spitalul Clinic Judeţean de Urgenţe "Sf. Spiridon" Iaşi (RO)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
1.35
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Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis Caused by Enterococcus faecalis—Facing the Unpredictable — Ionela-Larisa Miftode, Isabela Ioana Loghin, et al. · Antibiotics (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS