Letter to the Editor

Musculoskeletal Manifestations as the Initial Presentation of Infective Endocarditis

Authors: Laura Llinas, MD, Thomas Harrington, MD

Abstract

Musculoskeletal manifestations of infective endocarditis may mimic rheumatologic disease.1,2 In infective endocarditis (IE), despite microbial infection of the endothelial surface of the heart, patients may not manifest valvular involvement and the diagnosis may be delayed.3It is important to realize that the initial symptoms of IE may be musculoskeletal.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1.Myers OL, Commerford PJ. Musculoskeletal manifestations of bacterial endocarditis. Ann Rheum Dis1977;36:517–519.
 
2.Churchil MA Jr, Geraci JE, Hunder GG. Musculoskeletal manifestations of bacterial endocarditis. Ann Intern Med 1977;87:754–759.
 
3.Karchner AW. Infective endocarditis, in Braunwald E (ed): Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, ed 5, 1997, pp 1077–1104.
 
4.Hunder GG. When musculoskeletal symptoms point to endocarditis. J Musculoskeletal Med1992;9:33–38.
 
5.Williams RC, Kumkel HG. Rheumatoid factors and their disappearance following therapy in patients with subacute bacterial endocarditis. Arthritis Rheum 1962;5:126.