Postpartum culture negative endocarditis: A case report and review of the current guidelines

Abstract

Culture-negative endocarditis (CNE) presents physicians with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Postpartum endocarditis is rare and usually culture negative. Empirical antimicrobial regimes lead to the risk of aggressive treatment with potentially toxic drugs. This paper presents a case of postpartum CNE, discussing the issues of diagnosis and treatment. European and American guidelines for CNE are then reviewed and compared. Copyright 2011 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.