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Isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis - A report of 6 cases


DP Naidoo
S Naicker
S Vythylingum
F Hassen
IP Naicker
MAK Omar
AS Mitha

Abstract

Six cases of isolated tricuspid valve endocarditis in young women are described. Preceding genital sepsis was a predisposing factor in 4 patients. Cardiac signs are unusual at presentation, rendering the diagnosis difficult. Pleuropulmonary manifestations are the predominant findings, while overt signs of tricuspid insufficiency and right heart failure occur late in the disease. Staphylococcus aureus is the pathogen most commonly found and requires energetic treatment for a minimum of 4 weeks. The value of echocardiography in establishing an early diagnosis is stressed. Persistent sepsis constitutes a major indication for surgery.

S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 34-38

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574