Salmonella endocarditis in an immunocompetent 8-year-old with a mechanical aortic valve: A case report and literature review

Salmonella infections are prevalent globally and cause invasive infections in adults and children alike. Here, we present a rare case report and literature review based on a complicated presentation of S. enteritidis endocarditis in an immunocompetent 8-year-old child with a mechanical aortic valve. The child initially presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to an 11-day hospitalization for gastroenteritis and bacteremia caused by Salmonella. After a 1.5-week hospitalization, receiving intravenous Ceftriaxone and oral Ciprofloxacin, the child was discharged and underwent another week of treatment. Two weeks post-discharge, recurrent fever led to rehospitalization. During this admission, the diagnosis of infective endocarditis was made, revealing complications including pseudoaneurysms and aortic root abscesses. This diagnosis necessitated cardiac surgery and an extended course of antibiotic treatment for an additional seven weeks. The child made a full recovery and was well at follow up. This is the twelfth reported case of Salmonella endocarditis in a child. The overall mortality rate of Salmonella Endocarditis in children is approximately 50 %, and it predominantly affects males. Though rare, Salmonella endocarditis can lead to severe cardiovascular complications. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for endocarditis when risk factors are present and promptly initiate treatment.