Infective endocarditis associated with upper endoscopy: case report and review

Abstract

We describe a 73-year-old male who developed native valve infective endocarditis due to Staphylococcus capitis as a consequence of repeated oesophageal dilatation. The patient was treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy but his condition deteriorated and he died. We review 10 previously reported cases of infective endocarditis associated with upper endoscopy and discuss the issue of prophylaxis of high risk patients prior to upper endoscopy involving various invasive procedures, e.g. biopsy, dilatation and sclerotherapy.