3D Printed Acute Bacterial Endocarditis

3D Printed Acute Bacterial Endocarditis Clinical HistoryA 15-year old boy with cough and sputum developed a hectic (spiking) fever and chest pain a few days before being admitted in a comatosed condition. Examination revealed an early diastolic murmur at the aortic area, which radiated down the left sternal edge. He deteriorated very quickly and died, despite antibiotic chemotherapy. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. Pathology This small heart displays the left ventricle and associated valves. The non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve is ulcerated and perforated and has friable vegetations attached. Immediately below this cusp a perforation extends into the right atrium just above the tricuspid valve (see back of specimen. The other aortic cusp is also thickened. This is an acute bacterial endocarditis with aortic cusp and atrioventricular perforations. Further InformationAcute bacterial endocarditis is a form of infective endocarditis. Endocarditis due