A Case of Corynebacterium diphtheriae Native Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Shower Emboli

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of heart valve infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a healthy patient, emphasizing its severe complications.

Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare case of C. diphtheriae infective endocarditis in an immunocompetent individual.

Findings

C. diphtheriae caused native mitral and tricuspid valve endocarditis in an immunocompetent patient.

The infection led to severe complications, including shower emboli.

The case highlights the high mortality risk associated with C. diphtheriae endocarditis.

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a rare phenomenon that may have devastating consequences. While uncommon, the spectrum of causative organisms can include Corynebacterium species. Corynebacterium diphtheriae endocarditis bears a high potential for systemic complications and overall mortality. We present a case of mitral and tricuspid native valve endocarditis caused by C. diphtheriae in an immunocompetent patient and highlight the severe manifestations of this condition.

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