Tricuspid and aortic valve and ventricular septal defect endocarditis: an unusual presentation of acute Q fever

Abstract

Q fever is a rare systemic infection caused by Coxiella Burnetii. The presentation with endocarditis is insidious, with negative blood cultures, and oftentimes it is not obvious in diagnostic imaging studies until hemodynamic changes or valve destruction is reached. We report a case of Q fever endocarditis involving the tricuspid and aortic valves and a congenital ventricular septal defect. Surgical treatment and distinct aspects of this unusual case are herein described.