# Native Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Secondary to Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A rare case of aortic valve infection in a healthy infant caused by a drug-resistant bacteria is reported, highlighting the severe complications and need for quick treatment.

## Contribution

This paper adds a rare pediatric case of community-acquired MRSA causing native aortic valve IE and reviews existing literature on its management.

## Key findings

- A seven-month-old infant developed fatal multiorgan failure from MRSA-induced aortic valve endocarditis.
- Community-acquired MRSA causing native aortic valve IE in children is extremely rare and poorly documented.
- Prompt multidisciplinary intervention is critical for managing complicated pediatric endocarditis cases.

## Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to a microbial infection affecting either a heart valve or endocardium, resulting in tissue damage and the formation of vegetation. Native aortic valve endocarditis in children is rare and is associated with serious complications related to valvular insufficiency and systemic embolizations. As reports about community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) native aortic valve endocarditis in children are very scarce, we report this case along with a literature review about its complications and management. Here, we report the case of a seven-month-old infant who was previously healthy and presented with signs and symptoms of shock and systemic embolizations secondary to native aortic valve IE. His blood culture showed MRSA. He developed aortic valve insufficiency heart failure and multiorgan septic emboli that progressed to fatal refractory multiorgan failure. The management of complicated aortic valve endocarditis in children is challenging and needs a multidisciplinary team approach and prompt intervention.