Infective endocarditis (IE) is a relatively rare but life-threatening condition with potential complications such as valve dysfunction, abscess formation, development of penetrating lesions and embolization of septic material. In this case report, we describe the case of a 56-year-old with IE involving the tricuspid valve and resulting in near total occlusion of the right pulmonary artery due to embolization of a massive piece of septic material. While embolization of septic material is well documented, associated occlusion of the right pulmonary artery is rare.

Plain language summary

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but life-threatening condition with potential complications such as heart valve dysfunction, formation of collections of infected material, development of defects in the heart, and the travel of infected material causing blockages. In this case report, we describe the case of a 56-year-old with IE involving one of the heart valves and resulting in near total blockage of one of the main blood vessels to the lungs due to the dislodgement of a large piece of infected material. While dislodgement and travel of infected material is well documented, associated blockages of the main arteries is rare.

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References

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Vol. 19, No. 14

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History

Received 6 August 2023

Accepted 21 November 2023

Published online 7 December 2023

Published in print November 2023

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Author contributions

R EL-Andari: conception, data collection, writing/revisions, approval of final version, agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work. S Sidhu: conception, data collection, writing/revisions, approval of final version, agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work. W Wang: conception, data collection, writing/revisions, approval of final version, agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The patient provided written informed consent to publish their case.

Data availability

All data associated with this case report is included in the manuscript.

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