The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 51, 827-828, Copyright © 1991 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Infected intravenous port device causing tricuspid valve regurgitation
M Heinemann, G Frank, KJ Oldhafer and E Schmoll
Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Sepsis and tricuspid valve regurgitation developed in a 29-year-old man
with Crohn's disease after implantation of an intravenous port device for
parenteral nutrition. A thrombus, caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, had
grown along the catheter and prolapsed through the valve without affecting
it. Complete removal in an open heart procedure led to quick recovery.