Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Ventricular Septal Defect and Coarctation of the Aorta, Suspected on Auscultation and Phonocardiography

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with other congenital cardiovascular anomalies, including ventricular septal defects (VSDs). These anomalies can cause a systolic murmur; however, CoA sometimes remains undiagnosed, even when a VSD is detected in newborns. The coexistence of CoA and VSD poses a high risk of infective endocarditis (IE), making an early diagnosis and treatment crucial. We herein report a case of IE complicated by CoA and VSD that was suspected based on auscultation and phonocardiographic findings. When a precordial systolic murmur is heard, auscultation of the patient's back is essential for CoA detection. In addition, phonocardiography is helpful for visually identifying coexisting cardiovascular diseases.