Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis Due to Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis in the Aortic Valve: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 15-year-old boy developed kidney inflammation due to a heart infection, requiring intensive treatment to prevent severe complications.

Contribution

This case report documents a rare instance of glomerulonephritis caused by subacute bacterial endocarditis in a young patient.

Findings

The patient exhibited symptoms like swelling and frothy urine due to kidney dysfunction.

Blood cultures identified Burkholderia cepacia and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus.

A kidney biopsy confirmed immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Abstract

Infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN) is a rare but severe complication of bacterial infections, including subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). We present a case of a 15-year-old male with bilateral lower limb swelling, facial puffiness, frothy urine, and dyspnea. Laboratory investigations revealed abnormal kidney function tests and imaging studies confirmed infective endocarditis. Blood cultures isolated Burkholderia cepacia and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Kidney biopsy confirmed immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. The patient received multidisciplinary care, including respiratory support, hemodialysis, antibiotics, and blood transfusion. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and promptly managing IRGN secondary to SBE to prevent irreversible renal damage and systemic complications.

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