Group B Streptococcus tricuspid valve endocarditis with subsequent septic embolization to the pulmonary artery: A case report following elective abortion

Abstract

Background Tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by Group B streptococcus is a rare clinical entity with poor prognosis and has been previously reported following gynecologic procedures. Case summary We report a case of an 18-year-old female diagnosed with Group B streptococcus tricuspid valve endocarditis with septic emboli following an elective therapeutic abortion. After six weeks of treatment with ceftriaxone, she returned with recurrent symptoms and was found to have embolized a sizable vegetation to the pulmonary artery with probable lung infarction. She underwent surgical embolectomy and was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation and was subsequently discharged in stable condition. Conclusion Group B streptococcus endocarditis is a serious complication of gynecologic procedures. The role of preoperative antibiotics, postoperative clinical suspicion of endocarditis based on respiratory symptoms and a multidisciplinary approach may lead to enhanced patient outcomes.