Group B streptococcus endocarditis following second-trimester abortion.
An 18-year-old woman who underwent an elective second-trimester abortion developed Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) endocarditis characterized by a large, pedunculated vegetation involving a previously normal tricuspid valve. Polyarthritic symptoms, as well as multiple pulmonary emboli, were experienced, and cure followed a course of treatment using intravenous penicillin G potassium combined with gentamicin sulfate. Endocarditis caused by this pathogen usually occurs among individuals compromised by underlying chronic disorders and, today, is a rare sequela of pregnancy and abortion. When planning therapy, consideration should be given to the possibility of tolerance among clinical isolates and the need for operative intervention in selected patients.
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Department of Internal Medicine, St. John's Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway, NY.
Cohen
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DH
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000293:Adolescent; D004452:Echocardiography; D004698:Endocarditis, Subacute Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification
D005839:Gentamicins; D010400:Penicillin G