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Multivalvular Infective Endocarditis Presenting as Complete Heart Block and Neurological Features Mimicking Meningoencephalitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A 34-year-old man was admitted with fever, cough, chest pain, headache, and acute confusion, raising an initial suspicion of meningoencephalitis.However, two sets of blood cultures obtained before empirical antibiotic therapy grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and an electrocardiogram showed complete heart block.His condition deteriorated rapidly, progressing to respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock.Cardiac imaging demonstrated multivalvular infective endocarditis with severe mitral regurgitation secondary to perforation of the mitral leaflet.Emergency valve surgery was undertaken, followed by permanent pacing.This case emphasises the importance of early cardiac assessment in patients with systemic infection and conduction abnormalities, as it highlights an atypical presentation of infective endocarditis mimicking neurological infection.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.118609

Authors: Amaan Khan, Maryam Saad Ahmadzai, Fatima Saad, Sophie Wilkinson, Andy Thornley

Institutions: James Cook University Hospital, University of Bradford

Language: English

Topic: Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7223696765