[Did pneumococcal endocarditis come back?]

Abstract

Endocarditis caused by pneumococci represents 1-5% of all cases of endocarditis according to publications from different western countries. Necropsy studies show frequencies of up to 14% of all cases of endocarditis. It usually occurs as a complication to a pneumococcal pneumonia but other foci might be seen. Concomitant meningitis is seen in 20-85% of patients suffering from pneumococcal endocarditis. By knowing this disease entity there is a good possibility for treatment with antibiotics and valve replacement, but if overlooked the mortality is high. The frequency of pneumococcal endocarditis might be underestimated. Careful stethoscopic examination for heart murmurs should be a part of the clinical examination in case of invasive pneumococcal disease, especially with concomitant meningitis. Since bacteriaemia due to pneumococci is diagnosed with increasing frequency in many Northern European countries, special attention should be paid to pneumococcal endocarditis. The literature is reviewed with reference to pathology, pathogenesis, frequency, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.