# Haemophilus parainfluenza-Associated Aortic Root Abscess and Septic Embolic Stroke Post-transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case Study

## TL;DR

A rare case of aortic root abscess and stroke caused by Haemophilus parainfluenza is reported in a patient who recently had heart valve replacement.

## Contribution

This case study highlights a rare complication involving H. parainfluenza post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

## Key findings

- Haemophilus parainfluenza was identified as the causative agent of aortic root abscess and septic embolic stroke.
- Intravenous antibiotics successfully resolved the infection and related symptoms without surgical intervention.

## Abstract

We present a rare instance of aortic root abscess and septic embolic stroke due to Haemophilus parainfluenza in a 75-year-old male patient who had undergone a recent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The patient initially presented with generalized weakness and altered mental status. Blood cultures grew Haemophilus parainfluenza. Brain imaging showed multiple infarcts with some areas of hemorrhagic conversion. Echocardiography demonstrated an aortic root abscess as well as vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Surgical correction was deemed high risk; hence, management involved intravenous (IV) antibiotics, resulting in the resolution of both symptoms and the abscess.