[Q fever endocarditis and bicuspid aortic valve].
Q fever is caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetti, an obligate intracellular bacterium acquired by inhalation of infected dust from subclinically infected animals. Q fever may be acute or chronic; the chronic form mostly presents as endocarditis. Immunocompromised states and underlying heart disease are the most important risk factors. Usually the symptoms of Q fever endocarditis are nonspecific and diagnosis is often established very late. New criteria for diagnosis include a single blood culture positive for Coxiella burnetti, positive Q fever serology and characteristic echocardiographic studies. We describe a 49-year-old man with bicuspid aortic valve admitted with fever, weight loss and a new heart murmur. The diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis was established by positive Q fever serology, and an echocardiogram showing vegetations and valvular dysfunction. This case suggests that Q fever endocarditis should be considered in patients with "sterile" endocarditis.
Shovman
O
O
Medial Dept. B, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
George
J
J
Shoenfeld
Y
Y
D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000002:abnormalities*; D004452:Echocardiography; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011778:Q Fever / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors