Background:
Embolic myocardial infarction is an uncommon but increasingly recognized complication of infective endocarditis (IE). Although the incidence is low and ranges from 1% to 10%, the mortality rate is high (64%). The characteristics of septic embolism on presentation are nonspecific and usually are unrecognized by clinicians. This case report aims to build a high index of suspicion among clinicians for IE presenting with the complication of embolic myocardial infarction especially in patients with indwelling venous catheters.
Case summary:
A 62-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis presented with shortness of breath and desaturation. Her history was significant for end-stage renal disease managed with regular haemodialysis by a right-sided double-lumen tunnelled catheter. An initial diagnosis was made of pulmonary embolism, and management with intravenous heparin was initiated. She subsequently developed inferolateral ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention to the posterior descending artery failed. Then, the patient developed complete heart block, aortic valve vegetation, acute severe aortic regurgitation, and shock.
Discussion:
Acute coronary syndrome is usually an early and uncommon complication of IE and the risk of embolism decreases after antibiotic therapy is initiated. Due to the low incidence of coronary events in IE, only case reports have been published. Most patients with septic pulmonary embolism have a presentation similar to that for pneumonia. The diagnosis is therefore often delayed, which consequently influences prognosis. Our case report presents an example of IE-related multiple systemic embolization with poor patient outcome due to delayed diagnosis.