Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis in Four Patients with Unrepaired Restrictive Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects

We present a case series of four children with small, restrictive, perimembranous VSDs who developed tricuspid valve (TV) IE. All four experienced delayed diagnosis and secondary complications, including three with septic pulmonary emboli. All four patients ultimately underwent surgical VSD closure. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing IE as a possible cause of prolonged fever in children, even among those with even ‘low-risk’ CHD. The cases also draw attention to the potential benefits of VSD closure in patients who develop IE.
Source: Mammalian Genome - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research