Gonococcal Endocarditis Diagnosed by PCR

Case highlights diagnostic challenges when blood cultures are negative and embolic complications are present

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Gonococcal infective endocarditis is a rare but aggressive condition that can lead to severe complications and is difficult to diagnose with standard methods.
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A 53-year-old man presented with cardiac arrest and systemic embolization, with negative blood cultures despite significant clinical findings.
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Diagnosis was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction testing of valvular tissue, identifying Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the causative agent.
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The patient underwent mitral valve replacement due to extensive valvular involvement and required additional surgical intervention for postoperative complications.
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This case underscores the need for thorough sexual history taking and the use of advanced diagnostic techniques in culture-negative endocarditis.

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