J Korean Soc Echocardiogr.  1998 Jul;6(1):106-111.

A Case of an Aortic Embolism and Systemic Embolism in Infective Endocarditis

• Lee KW
• Ko KP
• Kang HS
• Choue CW
• Kim KS
• Song JS
• Bae JH

Abstract

In spite of advanced diagnostic teclmology and better antimicrpbial therapy, infective endocarditis is relatively common, life-threatening infection. Heart failure and systemic embolism are the common and serious complications associated with the infective endocarditis. Because embolic event caR result in irreversible organ dysfunction or death, prevention is a desirable goal. Identification of pltients who are in the high risk of embolism and who can be helped by early surgical intervenCion is very important. Echocardiography has been generally accepted as the technique of choice for noninvasive diagnosis of infective endocarditis because of its potential for direct visualization of endocarditis-induced lesions. We experienced a case of an aortic embolism and systemic embolism in infective endocarditis in 21 year old male patient. He adrnitted for abdominal pain and dark colored urine for 30 days. Diagnosis of infective endocarditiis was made by clinical manifestation and echocardiography. Abdominal CT showing a low density areas in the spleen and the right kidney suggestive of a splenic infarction and a renal infarction. Aortography revealed dilatation of the bifurcation site of the aorta into common iliac artery and nonvisualization of left common iliac artery. Aortoiliac bypass surgery and splenectomy were done. After antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy, the patient was discharged relatively good condition.

Keyword

Infective endocarditis; Aortic embolism; Renal infarction; Splenic infarction106

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Aorta
Aortography
Diagnosis
Dilatation
Echocardiography
Embolism*
Endocarditis*
Heart Failure
Humans
Iliac Artery
Infarction
Kidney
Male
Spleen
Splenectomy
Splenic Infarction
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Young Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents