Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in drug addicts: report of 2 cases
Chen, Y.C.; Lin, S.C.; Chiang, F.T.; Chang, S.C.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 89(10): 896-900
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0929-6646 PMID: 1981779 Document Number: 361163
Two young men presented with prolonged hectic fever and chills followed by chest pain, dyspnea and hemoptysis. The chest films revealed multiple lung infiltrates, and blood cultures yielded Staphylococcus aureus. Echocardiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis of tricuspid valve endocarditis. Multiple punctate lesions in the bilateral inguinal areas and dragon tattoos over the forechest gave rise to the suspicion of drug abuse. After prolonged antimicrobial therapy, bacteremia was eliminated, and elective vegetectomy and valvuloplasty were performed on one of the patients. The other one suffered recurrent episodes of pulmonary embolism. Disappearance of the large vegetation was disclosed by echocardiography. Both of them eventually regained their health with the abstinence of drugs. This report illustrates two typical cases of infective endocarditis in drug addicts.