Managing embolic myocardial infarction in infective endocarditis: current options

J Infect. 2005 Oct;51(3):e101-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2004.10.006. Epub 2004 Nov 11.

Abstract

Systemic embolization is common in infective endocarditis and is known to occur in 45-65% of cases. Coronary artery embolism has been seen in as many as 60% of cases at necropsy. However, it only rarely has been described as resulting in transmural myocardial infarction. In most cases, coronary embolism is inferred from circumstantial evidence. We present two patients with myocardial infarction in the setting of acute infective endocarditis. Current issues regarding the management of myocardial infarction in infective endocarditis are described in this article. We also describe the first documented case of Lactobacillus jensenii endocarditis leading to myocardial infarction. Possible factors, which may be instrumental in producing endocarditis with this organism, are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Embolism / therapy*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Heart Valve Diseases / complications
  • Heart Valve Diseases / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus / classification
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve / microbiology
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Tricuspid Valve / microbiology