P953 When one problem is not enough.

Abstract

Background Syncope is a serious complication of significant aortic valve stenosis. Left ventricular outflow obstruction, abnormal arterial and venous vasodilatation and arrhythmic events are usually the most common pathophysiological mechanisms. Structurally abnormal native valves with turbulent abnormal flow are a substrate for infective endocarditis in the elderly population. Clinical Case We report the case of an 74 year-old woman with a past history of hypertension, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia and degenerative severe aortic stenosis waiting valve replacement surgery who presented to the emergency department with syncope. Elevated inflammatory markers, fever and leukocyturia raised the hypothesis of urinary tract infection. Empirical antibiotic was initiated and the patient was admitted to the Internal Medicine ward. Evolution was unsatisfactory with evolution to cardiogenic shock. Urgent transthoracic echocardiogram showed dilated right cavities, mild pericardial effusion and high gradient flow between the left ventricle and right cavities with an unstructured calcified high mobility aortic valve with perivalvular abscess. Patient was transferred to a tertiary center for emergent surgery. A biologic aortic valve and pericardial bovine patch at the proximal membranous septum was implanted. Six-week empirical antibiotic treatment for endocarditis was completed after surgery. Initial blood cultures and native valve culture were negative. Residual restrictive left to right shunt was observed by TTE evaluation. The patient was discharged home and is doing well at follow-up. Conclusion Left-to-right shunt with subsequent cardiogenic shock is a non-common complication of aortic valve endocarditis. Patients presenting with syncope in the context of aortic stenosis must have a careful initial evaluation and mechanical complications excluded. Abstract P953 Figure. EuroEcho2019