Work

Culture-Negative Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: CLINICAL CONDITION: F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed septic pulmonary emboli and abnormal uptake at the pulmonary valve. Metagenomic sequencing identified Haemophilus parainfluenzae as the pathogen. KEY QUESTIONS: What is the differential diagnosis of a cardiac mass in this context? How should imaging and laboratory testing be approached in prosthetic valve endocarditis with negative studies? What surgical factors matter in patients with prior cardiac repairs? OUTCOME: The patient underwent successful replacement of the pulmonary and aortic valves and completed a course of antibiotics, with full recovery. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Consider bioprosthetic valve endocarditis in patients with persistent fevers and negative cultures. Use advanced diagnostics early when the clinical suspicion is high.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.105324