Infective endocarditis-endarteritis complicating asymptomatic aortic coarctation with a pseudocoarctation in an adult: A case report

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta is an obstructive aortic lesion that causes secondary hypertension. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult because patients could present no other symptom. Aortic coarctation determines a favorable anatomical condition for the development of endocarditis-endarteritis due to the presence of an alteration in blood flow dynamics that favors the appearance of endothelial damage and the adhesion of microorganisms. We present a case of a patient affected with a previously unknown aortic coarctation with high blood pressure, who developed infective endocarditis-endarteritis. The Physical examination and echocardiography clinical established the diagnosis. This case report underlines the importance of a complete echocardiography that includes the suprasternal view especially in young patients with a history of hypertension.