Brucella pancarditis with dissecting aortic root abscess, left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal defect

Biyik I., Oto O., Ergene O.

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH, vol.35, no.3, pp.422-426, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 35 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/147323000703500318
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.422-426
  • Keywords: Brucella, pancarditis, ventricular septal defect, pseudoaneurysm, ENDOCARDITIS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

A rare case of Brucella pancarditis is reported in a 38-year-old male farmer who presented with heart failure. Brucella pancarditis was diagnosed with positive serology, and echocardiographic examination showed pericardial effusion, vegetation and mycotic aneurysms on the aortic root. The development of a fistula between the aorta and right ventricle, aortic dissection, a subaortic ventricular septal defect, and left ventricular pseudoaneurysm were observed. This case illustrates that life-threatening cardiac complications may develop, even under aggressive antibiotic therapy. It is recommended that echocardiographic follow-up and close collaboration between colleagues working in infectious disease, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery are crucial in the treatment of Brucella pancarditis.