Staphylococcus lugdunensis Endocarditis Presenting with Brain Abscesses and Temporal Vision Deficits

TL;DR

A rare case of Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis led to brain abscesses and vision issues, requiring valve replacement after initial culture tests failed.

Contribution

This case highlights the aggressive nature of S. lugdunensis endocarditis and the importance of molecular testing for accurate diagnosis.

Findings

S. lugdunensis was identified as the cause through molecular testing of valvular tissue.

The infection was complicated by brain abscesses and vision deficits.

The patient required mitral valve replacement due to progressive heart failure.

Abstract

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacterium (CoNS) that colonizes the skin. While infectious endocarditis (IE) caused by S. lugdunensis is rare, it is noteworthy because it has been associated with an aggressive clinical course. In this report, we present a case of culture-negative IE complicated by brain abscesses, vision deficits, and progressive heart failure that ultimately required mitral valve replacement. The causative agent was eventually identified as S. lugdunensis through molecular testing of valvular tissue.

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