Infective endocarditis with uveitis: a rare case report

Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2007 Jan;23(1):40-4. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70373-0.

Abstract

We report a case of a 51-year-old diabetic male who presented with a complaint of intermittent chills and fever that he had experienced for 10 days. No obvious respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or skin lesions were observed. Blood culture data were positive for group B beta-streptococcus. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed vegetation in the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) and prescribed a parenteral antibiotic. Three days after admission, the patient complained of progressively blurred vision. Slit lamp examination found fine keratic precipitates and aqueous cells in the anterior chambers in both eyes, implying that the patient had uveitis. He was then prescribed a topical steroid for 4 months, and his vision improved gradually. This case is an important reminder that uveitis, not only endophthalmitis, can occur with IE. Treatment for one condition, if misapplied, may worsen the other.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae*
  • Uveitis / etiology*