Pneumococcal Endocarditis Causing Valve Destruction in the Absence of Vegetations on Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Series of 3 Consecutive Cases

Streptococcus pneumoniae endocarditis is uncommon. It has a predilection for the aortic valve and is associated with high mortality. We present 3 consecutive cases of pneumococcal endocarditis, each preceded by a different extracardiac infection but all causing destructive aortic valve lesions associated with severe regurgitation, in the absence of vegetations on transesophageal echocardiography. This case series illustrates the aggressive …