Diagnostic challenge: an atypical presentation of infective endocarditis. Issue 1 (25th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parente, Cristina Sarah; Sandland-Taylor, Laura Emma; Akhtar, Waheed
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-25
• Subjects: medical management -- infections -- valvar diseases -- medical education; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : It is recognised that infective endocarditis is frequently a challenging diagnosis to make, as it may present with a range of non-specific symptoms. A middle-aged man was admitted with an 8-day history of profuse non-bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. He had no medical history and no identifiable risk factors for infective endocarditis, and so this in combination with the patient's atypical symptoms presented a diagnostic challenge. The patient was eventually diagnosed with a Staphylococcus aureus right-sided infective endocarditis. This case report explores the events which led to this diagnosis and demonstrates a number of unique learning points. It also highlights the importance of maintaining an open mind and being prepared to revise an initial diagnosis in the face of medical uncertainty.