Isolated tricuspid valve endocarditis

Abstract

We present two non-HIV-infected patients with isolated native non-rheumatic tricuspid valve endocarditis who were not intravenous drug abusers. The patients presented with fever and chills. Plain radiography or high-resolution computed tomography of the chest revealed consolidation or infiltrate of the left parenchyma in both patients. Large vegetation located on the tricuspid leaflets was detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Staphylococcus aureus grew in two out of three blood cultures for one patient. Tricuspid valve endocarditis imitates illnesses with fever and pulmonary symptoms or signs of acute or chronic onset, and might be present even without abnormal chest X-rays or intravenous drug addiction.