Postpartum culture negative endocarditis: a case report and review of the current guidelines

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Oct 4:2011:bcr0320113935. doi: 10.1136/bcr.03.2011.3935.

Abstract

Culture-negative endocarditis (CNE) presents physicians with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Postpartum endocarditis is rare and usually culture negative. Empirical antimicrobial regimes lead to the risk of aggressive treatment with potentially toxic drugs. This paper presents a case of postpartum CNE, discussing the issues of diagnosis and treatment. European and American guidelines for CNE are then reviewed and compared.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Echocardiography
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / therapy*
  • Female
  • Gentamicins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Penicillin G / therapeutic use
  • Postpartum Period
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Gentamicins
  • Penicillin G