Staphylococcus aureusSepticemia with a Fatal Transmural Myocardial Infarction in a 27-Week-Gestation Twin Infant: A Case Study

Abstract

Septicemia, one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, often has a rapid and fulminant course. Low-birth-weight infants with persistentStaphylococcus aureussepticemia, possibly associated with percutaneous central venous catheters, may develop metastatic infections including endocarditis with large vegetations. This article describes a neonate withS. aureusbacteremia that resolved with treatment who died secondary to decreased left ventricular function. At autopsy, organizing microthrombi were seen within both atria, the left ventricle, and the left coronary arterial system. Extensive infarcts were noted throughout the entire myocardium of the left ventricle. It was suspected, but not proven, that the thrombotic sequelae from septicemia caused this neonate’s death.