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Unusual Complications of Infective Endocarditis

Maria S. Bonou, Eva D. Papadimitraki, Chris J. Kapelios, John Barbetseas, Nora-Athina Viniou

(Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece)

Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e923023

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.923023

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in management, infective endocarditis remains a condition with high in-hospital and post-discharge mortality, especially when it is complicated by perivalvular extension and heart failure (HF).
CASE REPORT: Herein we describe two illustrative cases of endocarditis. The first case was complicated by left ventricle to right atrial fistula. The second cased was complicated by valvular perforation with a “windsock” appearance. Both patients developed acute HF.
CONCLUSIONS: Fistulas and severe valvular regurgitation are among the major causes of acute HF in the setting of infective endocarditis. In such cases, surgery should be considered to decrease mortality.

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