Large septic pulmonary embolus complicating streptococcus mutans pulmonary valve endocarditis

Authors

  • Christian Andres Inchaustegui
  • Kevin Yuqi Wang
  • Oluwadamilola Teniola
  • Veronica V. Lenge de Rosen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v12i2.3240

Keywords:

Endocarditis, pulmonary valve, septic pulmonary embolism, septic pulmonary emboli, pulmonary artery, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography, computed tomography

Abstract

Large septic pulmonary embolus is a rare finding in right-sided endocarditis. The entity represents a challenging diagnosis due to its variable and nonspecific clinical and radiological presentation and similarities with other conditions. We present a case of a 41 year-old woman who developed a large main pulmonary artery embolus and bilateral cavitary lung nodules in the setting of severe sepsis. Pulmonary artery exploration and clot retrieval ultimately revealed a large septic embolus from Streptococcus mutans native pulmonary valve endocarditis. The diagnosis of septic pulmonary emboli from right-sided endocarditis should be considered in patients with ancillary findings of septic embolic phenomenon, particularly the presence of multifocal cavitary nodules and in the setting of appropriate predisposing factors.

Published

2018-02-21

Issue

Section

Thoracic Radiology