Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound  2009;17(1):19-21

doi:10.4250/jcu.2009.17.1.19

Acute Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Subacute Infective Endocarditis of the Tricuspid Valve.

Jae Hyeong PARK 1 ; Su Jin YOO ; Shin Kwang KANG ; Jae Hwan LEE ; Si Wan CHOI ; Jin Ok JEONG ; In Whan SEONG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Acute pulmonary embolism; Subacute infective endocarditis; Tricuspid valve

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism is usually caused by deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. However, vegetations of the tricuspid valve (TV) can cause embolic occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature and hence pulmonary embolism. We experienced a case of acute pulmonary embolism caused by subacute infective endocarditis of the TV. The computerized tomographic scans showed huge vegetations on the patient's TV and obstruction of the bilateral pulmonary arteries. He was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and TV replacement.