# A Case of Infective Endocarditis in a Middle-Aged Patient With Trisomy 21 and an Incidentally Discovered Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

## TL;DR

A middle-aged patient with Trisomy 21 and an undetected heart condition developed infective endocarditis, highlighting a rare clinical scenario.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare occurrence of IE in a Trisomy 21 patient with an incidentally found PFO.

## Key findings

- The patient had Trisomy 21 and an incidentally discovered PFO, not previously known.
- Infective endocarditis occurred without typical risk factors like prior valve surgery or IV drug use.
- The case emphasizes the need for vigilance in managing cardiac risks in Trisomy 21 patients.

## Abstract

Trisomy 21 often leads to cardiac complications, usually associated with congenital heart disease, such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus. This case describes an unexpected instance of infective endocarditis (IE) in a middle-aged patient with an incidentally discovered patent foramen ovale (PFO). The common risk factors for IE include previous valve surgery, artificial heart valves, pacemakers, prior IE, congenital defects like bicuspid aortic valve, IV drug use, and the congenital defects mentioned earlier.