Bacterial endocarditis in a child presenting with acute arterial ischemic stroke: should thrombolytic therapy be absolutely contraindicated?

Severe Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia complicated by acute intra-abdominal multiple arterial thrombosis and bacterial embolism: A case report

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a clinically common Gram-negative bacillus that can cause community- and hospital-acquired infections and lead to pneumonia, liver abscesses, bloodstream infections, and other infectious diseases; however, severe pneumonia caused by hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) complicated by acute intra-abdominal multiple arterial thrombosis and bacterial embolism is rarely seen in the clinical setting and has not been reported in the literature.

CASE SUMMARY

A 51-year-old man was hospitalized with fever and dyspnea. Persistent mild pain in the middle and upper abdomen began at dawn on the 3^rd day following admission and developed into persistent severe pain in the left upper abdomen 8 h later. Based on chest computed tomography (CT), bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing, abdominal aortic CT angiography (CTA), and culture of the superior mesenteric artery embolus, adult community-acquired severe hvKp pneumonia complicated by acute intra-abdominal multiple arterial thrombosis and bacterial embolism was diagnosed. Notably, he recovered and was discharged from the hospital after receiving effective meropenem anti-infection, endovascular contact thrombolytic, and systemic anticoagulant therapies and undergoing percutaneous thrombus aspiration. Ten days later, the patient returned to the hospital for abdominal CTA examination, which indicated blocked initial common pathway of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, and local stenosis. Therefore, celiac trunk artery stenting was performed in Chongqing Hospital, and postoperative recovery was good.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of hvKp severe pneumonia complicated by acute intra-abdominal multiple arterial thrombosis and bacterial embolism and suggest that clinicians should consider the possibility of a Gram-negative bacillus infection and conduct effective pathogen detection in a timely fashion when managing patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia before obtaining bacteriologic and drug sensitivity results. At the same time, when patients have severe pulmonary infection complicated by severe abdominal pain, an acute mesenteric artery embolism should be considered to avoid delays in treatment.

Acute Ischemic Pediatric Stroke Management: An Extended Window for Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Ischemic stroke is a rare condition to afflict the pediatric population. Congenital cardiomyopathy represents one of several possible etiologies in children. We report a 9-year-old boy who developed right middle cerebral artery stroke secondary to primary restrictive cardiomyopathy. In the absence of pediatric guidelines, the child met adult criteria for mechanical thrombectomy given the small core infarct and large penumbra. The literature suggests children may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy in carefully selected cases. Our patient exemplifies specific circumstances in which acute stroke therapy with thrombolysis and thrombectomy may be safe.

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as a novel treatment option for infective endocarditis: a retrospective clinical study in 32 children

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening infectious syndrome, with high morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for infective endocarditis include intravenous antibiotics, surgery, and involve a lengthy hospital stay. We hypothesised that adjunctive recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment for infective endocarditis may facilitate faster resolution of vegetations and clearance of positive blood cultures, and therefore decrease morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study included follow-up of patients, from 1997 through 2014, including clinical presentation, causative organism, length of treatment, morbidity, and mortality. We identified 32 patients, all of whom were diagnosed with endocarditis and were treated by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Among all, 27 patients (93%) had positive blood cultures, with the most frequent organisms being Staphylococcus epidermis (nine patients), Staphylococcus aureus (six patients), and Candida (nine patients). Upon treatment, in 31 patients (97%), resolution of vegetations and clearance of blood cultures occurred within hours to few days. Out of 32 patients, one patient (3%) died and three patients (9%) suffered embolic or haemorrhagic events, possibly related to the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. None of the patients required surgical intervention to assist vegetation resolution. In conclusion, it appears that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may become an adjunctive treatment for infective endocarditis and may decrease morbidity as compared with current guidelines. Prospective multi-centre studies are required to validate our findings.

Characteristics and Outcome of Streptococcus pneumoniae Endocarditis in the XXI Century: A Systematic Review of 111 Cases (2000-2013)

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an infrequent cause of severe infectious endocarditis (IE). The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcome of a series of cases of S. pneumoniae IE diagnosed in Spain and in a series of cases published since 2000 in the medical literature. We prospectively collected all cases of IE diagnosed in a multicenter cohort of patients from 27 Spanish hospitals (n = 2539). We also performed a systematic review of the literature since 2000 and retrieved all cases with complete clinical data using a pre-established protocol. Predictors of mortality were identified using a logistic regression model. We collected 111 cases of pneumococcal IE: 24 patients from the Spanish cohort and 87 cases from the literature review. Median age was 51 years, and 23 patients (20.7%) were under 15 years. Men accounted for 64% of patients, and infection was community-acquired in 96.4% of cases. The most important underlying conditions were liver disease (27.9%) and immunosuppression (10.8%). A predisposing heart condition was present in only 18 patients (16.2%). Pneumococcal IE affected a native valve in 93.7% of patients. Left-sided endocarditis predominated (aortic valve 53.2% and mitral valve 40.5%). The microbiological diagnosis was obtained from blood cultures in 84.7% of cases. In the Spanish cohort, nonsusceptibility to penicillin was detected in 4.2%. The most common clinical manifestations included fever (71.2%), a new heart murmur (55%), pneumonia (45.9%), meningitis (40.5%), and Austrian syndrome (26.1%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 47.7% of patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 20.7%. The multivariate analysis revealed the independent risk factors for mortality to be meningitis (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.4-12.9; P < 0.01). Valve surgery was protective (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.4; P < 0.01). Streptococcus pneumoniae IE is a community-acquired disease that mainly affects native aortic valves. Half of the cases in the present study had concomitant pneumonia, and a considerable number developed meningitis. Mortality was high, mainly in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Surgery was protective.

Infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a serious disease of the endocardium of the heart and cardiac valves, caused by a variety of infectious agents, ranging from streptococci to rickettsia. The proportion of cases associated with rheumatic valvulopathy and dental surgery has decreased in recent years, while endocarditis associated with intravenous drug abuse, prosthetic valves, degenerative valve disease, implanted cardiac devices, and iatrogenic or nosocomial infections has emerged. Endocarditis causes constitutional, cardiac and multiorgan symptoms and signs. The central nervous system can be affected in the form of meningitis, cerebritis, encephalopathy, seizures, brain abscess, ischemic embolic stroke, mycotic aneurysm, and subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. Stroke in endocarditis is an ominous prognostic sign. Treatment of endocarditis includes prolonged appropriate antimicrobial therapy and in selected cases, cardiac surgery. In ischemic stroke associated with infective endocarditis there is no indication to start antithrombotic drugs. In previously anticoagulated patients with an ischemic stroke, oral anticoagulants should be replaced by unfractionated heparin, while in intracranial hemorrhage, all anticoagulation should be interrupted. The majority of unruptured mycotic aneurysms can be treated by antibiotics, but for ruptured aneurysms, endovascular or neurosurgical therapy is indicated.

Clinical characteristics and thrombolytic outcomes of infective endocarditis-associated stroke

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to describe the clinical features of infective endocarditis (IE) in the acute stroke setting and outcomes following thrombolytic therapy.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective, descriptive case series of IE-related stroke (IES). Infective endocarditis diagnosis was based on the modified Duke criteria.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2007, 18 patients with acute stroke had definite or possible IE. Presenting stroke subtypes were: 11 ischemic stroke; 2 intracerebral hemorrhage; and 5 with a combination of ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage. On presentation, 6 had objective fever and 5 had subjective fever, 8 had heart murmur, and 3 had classic IE stigmata. The most common laboratory abnormalities were leukocytosis (n = 11) and anemia (n = 10). Sixteen patients had valvular vegetations on echocardiogram; 6 of 8 patients had vegetations visualized on transesophageal echocardiogram that were not detected by transthoracic echocardiogram. Two of the 3 patients with valve replacements had vegetations only on their native valves. Of 11 patients with pure ischemic stroke, 4 received thrombolytics and had hemorrhagic conversion. Overall mortality of IES was 56% (10 of 18). Mortality in pure ischemic IES patients was 29% (2 of 7, median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] 13) in those not receiving thrombolytics and 75% (3 of 4, median NIHSS 14) in those receiving thrombolytics.

CONCLUSIONS

Though diagnosis of IE in the acute stroke setting is difficult, features of the history, examination, and laboratory data may raise concern for IE. In this case series, thrombolytics in patients with IE-associated stroke were associated with very poor outcomes.

Thrombolysis for stroke caused by infective endocarditis: an illustrative case and review of the literature

Infective endocarditis represents a classical contra-indication to thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke due to a potential increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage. However, some case reports have suggested safety and potential efficacy of intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis in stroke related to infective endocarditis. We present a case of ischemic stroke related to infective endocarditis who was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator within the first 3 h of symptoms onset and subsequently developed symptomatic multifocal intracerebral hemorrhages, and summarize currently available data on this issue.

[Central nervous system embolism in the course of infective endocarditis]

Despite the progress made in diagnosis and treatment of heart valve diseases, the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) remains constant. It is still associated with high mortality and high rate of embolic complications, including most dangerous one, i.e. stroke. It has a significant impact on further treatment and qualifications for cardiac surgery. In this paper, the authors discuss the epidemiology, mechanisms of stroke and its impact on the qualifications for cardiac surgery. The authors discuss the problem of clinically silent central nervous system embolism in the course of IE and the usefulness of neuroimaging and markers of central nervous system damage in diagnosis of cerebral embolism.

Endovascular intervention for acute stroke due to infective endocarditis

The overall incidence of neurological complications due to infective endocarditis is as high as 40%, with embolic infarcts more common than hemorrhagic strokes. The standard of care for typical strokes does not apply to infective endocarditis because there is a substantial risk of hemorrhage with thrombolysis. In the last decade there have been multiple case reports of intravenous and intraarterial thrombolysis with successful outcomes for acute strokes with related infective endocarditis, but successful endovascular interventions for acute strokes associated with infective endocarditis are rarely reported. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first case in the literature to use a mechanical retrieval device in successful vegetation retrieval in an infective endocarditis acute stroke. Although an interventional approach for treatment of acute stroke related to infective endocarditis is a promising option, it is controversial and a cautious clinical decision should be made on a case-by-case basis. The authors conclude that this approach can be tested in a case series with matched controls, because this condition is rare and a randomized clinical trial is not a realistic option.

Acute ischemic stroke and infections

We present an overview of multiple infections in relation to acute ischemic stroke and the therapeutic options available. Conditions that are a direct cause of stroke (infectious endocarditis, meningoencephalitides, and human immunodeficiency virus infection), the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for stroke, and treatment dilemmas are presented. Independently or in conjunction with conventional risk factors, chronic and acute infections can trigger an acute ischemic stroke through an accelerated process of atherosclerosis and immunohematologic alterations. Acute ischemic stroke has a negative impact on the antibacterial immune response, leading to stroke-induced immunodepression and infections, the most common poststroke medical complications. Poststroke infections are independent predictors of poor outcome. Antibiotic trials for poststroke infection prevention are reviewed. Although antibiotic prophylaxis is not the standard of care in acute stroke, current guidelines support prompt treatment of stroke-related infections.

Stroke and cerebrovascular disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Stroke and cerebrovascular disorders in childhood are a cause for significant morbidity in childhood. There is growing emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of stroke so as to inform developments in investigation and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances have been made in the classification of pediatric stroke, aided by clinical and radiological recognition of patterns of injury and differential outcomes dependent on timing of stroke occurrence. Risk factors are multifactorial, with evidence of geographical and national variation. Causality, however, remains difficult to prove. Recent studies highlight a significant association between stroke recurrence and outcome and the presence of steno-occlusive arterial disease, Moyamoya disease and progressive arteriopathy. Focal arteriopathy of childhood is a new term proposed to refine the nomenclature of childhood arteriopathy. The association between infection and childhood stroke is increasingly recognized, with associations with sinovenous thrombosis and childhood arteriopathy. The recommendation to screen for arteriopathy in genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease is now extended to include children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Perfusion and magnetic resonance wall imaging have helped in the determination of the cause of stroke with impact on management in adults. Two new treatment guidelines have been published (American Heart Association and Chest), but barriers remain to the use of thrombolysis in childhood stroke.

SUMMARY

Continued developments in understanding and practice in childhood stroke are encouraging. However, the absence of clinical trials and evidence-based guidelines is limiting. The conduct of such trials is a goal towards which the International Pediatric Stroke Study is moving.

Effectiveness of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Embolic Stroke due to Infective Endocarditis

Objective. To identify the role of thrombolytic therapy in acute embolic stroke due to infective endocarditis. Design. Case report. Setting. University hospital. Patient. A 70-year-old male presented with acute onset aphasia and hemiparesis due to infective endocarditis. His head computerized tomographic scan revealed left parietal sulcal effacement. He was given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator with significant resolution of the neurologic deficits without complications. Main Outcome Measures. Physical examination, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, radiologic examination results. Conclusions. Thrombolytic therapy in selected cases of stroke due to infective endocarditis manifesting as major neurologic deficits can be considered as an option after careful consideration of risks and benefits. The basis for such favorable response rests in the presence of fibrin as a major constituent of the vegetation. The risk of precipitating hemorrhage with thrombolytic therapy especially with large infarcts and mycotic aneurysms should be weighed against the benefits of averting a major neurologic deficit.