The Forgotten Valve: Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis in Late Pregnancy

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the cardiac endocardium, most often involving native or prosthetic valves. It commonly presents with persistent fever, malaise, anemia, and a new or changing murmur, along with possible cutaneous signs or systemic embolic features. The condition may progress to serious complications such as valvular regurgitation, heart failure, conduction abnormalities, stroke, and renal impairment. In this case report, we present a 21-year-old antenatal woman with an atrial septal defect who presented with fever and cough and was initially treated for community-acquired pneumonia.

Following an emergency caesarian section, the mother developed persistent fever despite the administration of antibiotics. Careful clinical examination prompted the evaluation of the heart, identifying a pulmonary valve pathology, Further investigations by obtaining blood cultures grew methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus which was then treated appropriately. The outcome was a successful recovery of the patient's usual state of health.