Cross-sectional imaging of post endocarditis paravalvular abscesses of native mitral valves: review of 4 cases

Four cases of submitral myocardial abscess imaged by CT or MRI following en docarditis are described. All cases occurred in fragile patients (diabetes mellitus, dialysis, severe cardiovascular diseases). An iatrogenic source w as noted in one patient. Staphylococcus aureus was responsible in 2 patient s. If subvalvular aortic abscesses are usually described, submitral myocardial abscesses are infrequent. In addition to transesophageal echocardiography, a technique superior to tr ansthoracic echocardiography, CT and MRI may incidentally suggest the corre ct diagnosis. Both techniques provide useful morphological evaluation, info rmation that can be used to optimize the timing for surgical repair.