Q Fever Endocarditis: A Challenging Diagnosis in a Patient Referring Weight Loss and Anorexia, and With Granulomas in Gastric Biopsy Specimens

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis is challenging since clinical findings are non‐specific and diagnosis is mainly made by indirect methods such as serology. A progressive constitutional syndrome, severe asthenia, anorexia with no fever and histopathological findings of non‐necrotizing gastric granulomas in a gastric biopsy were found preceding a cardiac failure in our case report. Prolonged treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is mandatory, and cardiac valve surgery may be needed.

Keywords

• Coxiella burnetii
• endocarditis
• gastric granulomas
• Q fever
• weight loss