ABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart valves
and endocardium, most commonly affecting left-sided valves, though
right-sided infective endocarditis, particularly of the tricuspid valve,
is increasingly reported, especially among intravenous drug users and
patients with implanted cardiac devices. This report presents the rare
case of a 31-year-old female who developed tricuspid valve infective
endocarditis following a septic abortion. The patient had undergone a
medical termination of pregnancy at 16 weeks gestation and was treated
for an incomplete septic abortion with manual evacuation and intravenous
antibiotics. Despite initial treatment, the patient returned with
persistent fever, chills, and mild vaginal bleeding. Blood cultures
confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and
echocardiography revealed vegetation on the tricuspid valve, confirming
the diagnosis of IE. The patient was treated with a combination of
broad-spectrum antibiotics, including piperacillin-tazobactam,
vancomycin, and gentamicin, along with supportive therapies. The case
highlights the importance of considering IE in patients with septic
abortion, particularly when fever and infection persist despite
treatment. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent
life-threatening complications. This case underscores the need for
multidisciplinary management and adherence to best practices, such as
antibiotic prophylaxis, to reduce the risk of infection in gynecological
procedures.