1 Specialist in Internal Medicine, Aster Hospital, Ibri, Oman
2 Specialist Pathologist, Aster Hospital, Ibri, Oman
Corresponding author:
Dr. Jamal Thottungal Email: Jamal.moideen@asterhospital.com Phone: 0096898803324
Keywords:
Infective endocarditis, Native valve endocarditis, Aortic stenosis, Streptococcus viridans
ABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening medical condition that is not frequently encountered in routine clinical practice. The overall incidence of infective endocarditis is 3-10 per 100000 people, with a mortality rate of up to 30% at 30 days post-admission. Presentation can be unusual and diverse and can vary from person to person. A high index of clinical suspicion is required. A delay in diagnosis can be fatal.
Here we present a case of infective endocarditis. The patient was initially evaluated for anaemia in another hospital. No cause was found, and the case was treated as anaemia of unknown chronic disease. The patient came to our centre a few weeks later, and we were able to diagnose them with infective endo-carditis. She was promptly referred and operated upon, but died in the post-operative period.
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment before full-blown valve damage and cardiac failure ensues. A thorough history and clinical examination, in conjunction with careful selection of investigative modalities, is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis.
INTRODUCTION
Infective endocarditis (IE), first described by William Osler in 1885, is defined IE occurs most frequently in patients with a damaged heart valve, a prosthetic valve, or a pacemaker lead. Any structural heart disease can predispose a person to develop IE. The overall incidence of infective endocarditis is 3-10 per 100000 people, with a mortality rate of up to 30% at 30 days post-admission. In the past, rheumatic heart disease was the main precursor to IE and it is still prevalent in developing countries.
