Infectious endocarditis: unusual cause of lower back pain

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a relatively uncommon but potentially lethal disease. Although medical and surgical therapies have contributed to ameliorating prognosis, the mortality rate remains high. Presenting symptoms are variable and may sometimes delay the diagnosis. Musculoskeletal manifestations are reported frequently, and they can represent the major sign of the disease, leading to diagnostic difficulties. Septic vertebral locations during infective endocarditis are unusual; this association accounts for only a small percentage of the rheumatologic forms of infective endocarditis (IE), early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to reduce complications. Thus, in patients with signs and symptoms of discitis, the investigation of cardiac valve involvement is relevant.