Austrian syndrome in a child-aortic valve endocarditis following pneumococcal meningitis

Int J Cardiol. 2004 Apr;94(2-3):321-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2003.03.025.

Abstract

A 7-year-old girl with a previously healthy heart underwent a Ross procedure after pneumococcal sepsis, meningitis and aortic valve endocarditis with extensive para-valvular involvement. While pneumococcal infections including respiratory tract infections, bacteraemia and meningitis are common in childhood, endocarditis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae occurs rarely. Pneumococcal meningitis and aortic valve endocarditis is a known combination, described as Austrian syndrome. We suggest that children with pneumococcal meningitis should be screened with echocardiography for an aortic valve endocarditis. In case of aortic valve endocarditis and persistent infection, surgery should be considered early.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / microbiology*
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / therapy
  • Child
  • Echocardiography
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / therapy
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / microbiology*
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents