Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Gonococcal Heart Infection
• Medical Term: Gonococcal endocarditis

Summary

Gonococcal heart infection, also known as gonococcal endocarditis, is a rare but serious condition where the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, infects the heart, specifically affecting the heart valves and the endocardium (lining inside the heart chambers).

Causes

Gonococcal heart infection is caused by the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria from the initial site of infection (typically in the genitals, rectum, or throat) into the bloodstream, ultimately reaching the heart.

Risk Factors

• Having untreated gonorrhea infection.
• Engaging in unprotected sexual activities with multiple partners.
• History of heart valve disease or previous endocarditis.
• Use of intravenous drugs.

Symptoms

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Heart murmur
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Night sweats

Diagnosis

• Blood cultures to identify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Echocardiogram to assess heart function and detect any damage to the heart valves.
• Physical examination to check for a heart murmur and other symptoms.

Treatment Options

• Antibiotic therapy: Prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment is essential to eradicate the bacteria.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for gonococcal heart infection can be good, although it depends on the severity of the infection and any resulting heart damage. Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor heart function and ensure the infection has been fully resolved.

Complications

• Heart valve damage leading to heart failure.
• Septic emboli, potentially leading to stroke or organ damage.
• Persistent or recurrent infection.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practice safe sex by using condoms and having regular STI screenings.
• Prompt treatment of any gonorrhea infection to prevent complications.
• Avoid intravenous drug use, or use clean needles.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe chest pain, persistent fever, difficulty breathing, or a notable change in heart rhythm, especially if you have a history of gonorrhea.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - STD information
• American Heart Association - Information on Endocarditis
• Local public health departments for resources on STI prevention

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the diagnosis in the patient's medical record as gonococcal heart infection (A54.83).
• Be aware of the primary diagnosis when gonorrhea presents with multiple manifestations, ensuring proper coding hierarchy.
• Avoid confusion with other types of infective endocarditis by confirming the specific bacterial cause in medical documentation.