Huge tricuspid valve abscess

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2009 Mar;10(2):372-3. doi: 10.1093/ejechocard/jen326. Epub 2009 Feb 5.

Abstract

A 60-year-old woman with colorectal adenocarcinoma underwent surgical mass resection in 2003; hepatic segmentectomy due to hepatic metastasis was performed in 2005. A port-a-cath for the administration of chemotherapy was cannulated. In April 2007, the patient developed fever and shivering, and the catheter was removed. Catheter and blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. TEE showed a very mobile mass (3 x 2 cm) at the junction of the posterior and anterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve. The mass had large echolucent areas inside, exhibiting an appearance like a 'ball of wool' (Panel B). Cardiac MRI confirmed the presence of a mass attached to the tricuspid valve, as shown in the delayed enhancement sequence. At surgery, a ruptured tendinous cord as well as a large abscess within the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve was found.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / pathology*
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tricuspid Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Tricuspid Valve / pathology*
  • Tricuspid Valve / surgery