Life-threatening pyogenic ventriculitis, complicating endocarditis, presenting as sudden hearing loss

Abstract

Approximately 70% of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) cases are idiopathic, but SSNHL may occasionally be related to fatality. Here, we report the case of a 54-year-old Asian female who complained of hearing loss as a primary symptom and was diagnosed with pyogenic ventriculitis (PV) derived from Streptococcus agalactiae endocarditis. Both PV and S. agalactiae endocarditis are rare and very severe infections with a high mortality rate. Rapid intensive treatment and surgery were required for successful clinical outcomes.

Primary pyogenic ventriculitis caused by Streptococcal pneumoniae in adults

“…Organism commonly reported in neonates are Streptococus bovis, S. gallolyticus , and S. intermedius . [567] In adults, primary ventriculitis caused by Nisseria meningitis ,[38] Streptococus acidominicus ,[9] and S. agalactiae [10] has been reported.…”

The association between comorbidities and inpatient mortality with sudden sensorineural hearing loss using a national database in Taiwan

“…Sanecka et al 7 advocated the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with hearing loss through early diagnosis of Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. Arnold and Vosteen reported the death of a patient from a subarachnoid hemorrhage after experiencing sudden hearing loss in her right ear caused by a large aneurysm of the basilar artery, 8 while Ito et al 9 documented a case of life-threatening pyogenic ventriculitis, complicating endocarditis, presenting as sudden hearing loss. Because most SSNHL patients first seek medical help in an otorhinolaryngological department, we should be aware of these underlying coexisting and catastrophic diseases.…”