Endocarditis after acute Q fever in patients with previously undiagnosed valvulopathies

Abstract

We describe 3 cases of endocarditis after acute Q fever in 3 patients with clinically silent, undiagnosed valvulopathies, including mitral valve prolapse, minimal valvular leak, and biscuspid aortic valve. We conclude that, to prevent endocarditis, these minor valvulopathies must be actively searched for with echocardiography after diagnosis of acute Q fever. © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.