Aortic root abscess and Brucella endocarditis in a patient with mechanical aortic valve prosthesis: a case report

Abstract Rare but potentially fatal, brucellosis prosthetic valve endocarditis is a complication of brucellosis caused by Brucella species. The symptoms of brucellosis can be nonspecific, making the diagnosis challenging. Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complication of brucellosis. Mortality from brucellosis is low except for endocarditis and involvement of the central nervous system. The diagnosis is based on laboratory tests and clinical manifestations. Serological tests are preferred, as culture methods can be unreliable. A 59-year-old woman presented with gastrointestinal bleeding, fever, anorexia and malaise. She had a history of aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis for severe bicuspid aortic stenosis. Investigations revealed a multiloculated aortic root abscess encircling the prosthetic valve. She was diagnosed with brucella endocarditis, treated with antibiotics and underwent cardiac surgery. Her symptoms improved following the surgery. Brucellosis prosthetic valve endocarditis is a rare presentation of this disease.