Fatal septic embolism due to Staphylococcus lugdunensis-induced bacteremia

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021 Jun;69(6):993-995. doi: 10.1007/s11748-020-01579-w. Epub 2021 Jan 4.

Abstract

Staphylococcus lugdunensis infective endocarditis (IE) is very rare in children. A female neonote presented with fever on the 29th postoperative day after undergoing a modified Norwood procedure (right ventricular-pulmonary artery [RV-PA] conduit). Blood cultures were positive for S. lugdunensis. Echocardiography did not demonstrate vegetation. Therefore, we made a diagnosis of catheter-related bacteremia instead of IE. Cultures were negative 3 days after treatment initiation with intravenous vancomycin. One month after discharge, she developed acute hypoxia and could not be revived because of obstruction of RV-PA conduit with large vegetation. Even in S. lugdunensis bacteremia without IE, surgical treatment should be considered early.

Keywords: Norwood procedure; Right ventricular–pulmonary artery conduit; Septic embolism; Staphylococcus lugdunensis.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteremia* / diagnosis
  • Bacteremia* / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Embolism*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcus lugdunensis*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents