A rare Serratia marcescens-associated acute endocarditis of a tricuspid valve in an intravenous drug user : A case report and literature review

Abstract

Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative bacillus that is an opportunistic agent in respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and septicemia. It is rarely also a cause of infective endocarditis which follows a rapid and devastating course, typically in persons with history of intravenous drug use (IDU). This article reports a fatal case of a 27-year-old patient with a known history of IDU, who presented with clinical symptoms concerning right-sided endocarditis as well as signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Finally, a detailed review of the literature is provided concerning the acute endocarditis of a tricuspid valve, especially associated with Serratia marcescens infection.

Keywords: ARDS; Drug abuse; Infective endocarditis; Serratia marcescens; Tricuspid valve.