An Uncommon Cardiac Cause of Fatal Cerebral Stroke

Abstract

A 47-year-old man was diagnosed with a multi-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis infection ten months prior. He underwent intensive antibiotic therapy for three months during hospitalization, with favorable clinical course and was declared cured. He was then referred to the cardiology department due to atypical chest pain. Upon examination, the man was found to have a normal neurological state, with normal vital signs. The electrocardiogram was normal with a regular sinus rhythm. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed normal left and right ventricular function, no significant valvular disease, but a rounded, mobile mass measuring 10x10 mm on the leading edge of the right coronary cusp (Figure 1).Blood cultures were performed to determine if the mass was a result of tuberculosis endocarditis or a benign aortic tumor such as a papillary fibroelastoma, but the results were negative