[A case of infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve repaired by vegetectomy and annuloplasty].

A successful repair of infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve in a drug abuser is reported. A 25-year-old woman with a history of drug addiction was referred to our hospital complaining of high fever despite antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures showed staphylococcal septicemia, and echocardiography revealed large vegetations attached to the tricuspid annulus and massive regurgitation of the tricuspid valve. Blood studies showed renal failure and hematological abnormalities due to septicemia and right ventricular failure. Excision of the vegetation and the posterior leaflet was performed along with annuloplasty (Kay's procedure). The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and subsequent echocardiographic examination disclosed no evidence of recurrence, and insignificant tricuspid valvular regurgitation. Local excision of vegetation and leaflet repair by annuloplasty may be performed in cases with well-circumscribed vegetation and minor leaflet damage.