Infective endocarditis in patients with ventricular septal defect: the role of echocardiography and prophylactic antibiotic therapy

Infective endocarditis can occur in healthy people or in those with a preexisting heart disease. Among people with heart disease at risk for developing infective endocarditis, there are those with congenital heart disease (VSD is the most common type). We report the case of a 17-year old patient with infective endocarditis due to oral streptococci associated with VSD that wasn't detected until then, whose symptoms were prolonged fever accompanied by a rash. ENT examination also showed pseudomembranous anginas associated with poor oral health status. IE associated with VSD are the most frequent IEs among patients with congenital heart disease. Their clinical presentation can be atypical, hence the vital role of echocardiography. In these cases effective prevention requires optimal oral and skin hygiene and not prophylactic antibiotic therapy. infective IE therapy.