The patient was a 73-year-old man with a history of heart disease. His current symptoms were classic of myocardial infarction (high blood pressure, pain in arm, difficulty breathing), but he was also running a fever of 102-degrees. The patient complained of recent weight loss and fatigue. Upon examination, the doctor discovered red spots on his palms and the soles of his feet, and an enlarged spleen. When asked about recent surgical procedures, he reported frequent dental procedures over the past 6 months. Blood was drawn and taken for culture and gram stain. The bacteria is Gram + bacillus.
After doing some research I think it may be cirrhosis. Heart disease or medications for heart disease can cause cirrhosis. What else could it possibly be?
After doing some research I think it may be cirrhosis. Heart disease or medications for heart disease can cause cirrhosis. What else could it possibly be?
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Endocarditis
Going by the history of numerous dental procedures (I don't think they threw that in there as a "red herring"). It's usually gram + bacteria that are found.
Endocarditis can cause an enlarged spleen, Janeway lesions on the palms and soles, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. (Janeway lesions are considered pathognomonic for infective endocarditis, anyway).
Going by the history of numerous dental procedures (I don't think they threw that in there as a "red herring"). It's usually gram + bacteria that are found.
Endocarditis can cause an enlarged spleen, Janeway lesions on the palms and soles, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. (Janeway lesions are considered pathognomonic for infective endocarditis, anyway).
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