A rocking biologic prosthetic valve: Cutibacterium acnes prosthetic valve endocarditis

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Dababneh, E
Provenzano, SCJ
Yong, MS
Jacombs, E
Solayar, R
Kapadia, V
Matta, MG
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2025
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Abstract

Cutibacterium acnes is a low-virulence pathogen that can cause prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), presenting significant diagnostic challenges due to its slow growth and indolent clinical course. We report a case of a 57-year-old male with a history of tissue aortic valve replacement, who presented with 6 months of intermittent fever and a nonproductive cough. Initial tests showed elevated inflammatory markers and moderate aortic regurgitation, but no vegetations were identified on transthoracic or transoesophageal echocardiography. After 13 months of symptoms, a PET scan showed significant FDG uptake around the bioprosthetic valve, and a single blood culture grew C. acnes. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed abnormal rocking motion of the valve and severe paravalvular regurgitation, suggesting near-complete valve dehiscence. The patient underwent redo surgery for aortic root and valve replacement, and intraoperative cultures confirmed C. acnes infection. This case highlights the importance of considering low-virulence pathogens like C. acnes in patients with prolonged, nonspecific symptoms and initially negative cultures. Advanced imaging, particularly PET/CT, is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are vital for preventing severe complications such as valve dehiscence and tissue destruction.

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Hospital Practice

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53

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1

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Dababneh, E; Provenzano, SCJ; Yong, MS; Jacombs, E; Solayar, R; Kapadia, V; Matta, MG, A rocking biologic prosthetic valve: Cutibacterium acnes prosthetic valve endocarditis, Hospital Practice, 2025, 53 (1), pp. 2628523

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