# Staphylococcus aureus Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Embolic Stroke and Discitis in a Hypertensive Patient

## TL;DR

A 65-year-old man with high blood pressure developed a severe heart infection that led to brain and spine complications, emphasizing the need for early detection.

## Contribution

This case highlights the rare but serious complications of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis involving embolic stroke and discitis.

## Key findings

- The patient had MSSA bacteremia with aortic valve vegetation and periaortic abscess.
- MRI showed embolic infarctions and spinal discitis with neural compression.
- The case underscores the importance of recognizing systemic and spinal complications in IE.

## Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a severe and potentially fatal condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 65-year-old hypertensive male patient who presented with fever, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. Subsequently, he developed an altered mental status. Imaging revealed multiple embolic infarctions. Further investigations confirmed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia with large aortic valve vegetation and a periaortic abscess. Additionally, lumbar spine MRI showed signs suggestive of discitis with neural compression. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of systemic embolization and spinal involvement in IE.