A 21 year old female athlete underwent a complex heart valve repair on March 26  at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, after experiencing persistent fever and breathlessness for several months. Despite consulting multiple doctors, her condition remained undiagnosed until she sought treatment at Kauvery Hospital,  where a serious heart condition was identified.
The athlete had been struggling with fever and breathlessness, but the root cause of her symptoms was not found. After a thorough evaluation at Kauvery Hospital, doctors identified a rare bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, a bacteria commonly found in pets like cats and dogs. The infection had affected her heart valve, causing growths on her mitral valve. This condition,known as vegetations on both leaflets of the mitral valve, is extremely rare in humans.
Given the severity of the infection, she was initially treated with antibiotics. Typically, such cases require a valve replacement with a synthetic metal valve, which would have meant taking lifelong blood-thinning medication. This would have affected her ability to return to professional sports and posed potential complications for her future.
A team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists and infectious disease specialists at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani reviewed the case and decided to proceed with a complex heart valve repair, rather than a replacement, which preserved her natural valve.
The six-hour surgery was performed by a team led by Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical lead & Sr. consultant , Kauvery Hospital . The infection was completely cleared, and the athlete’s own mitral valve was preserved, allowing her heart to function normally. Without this intervention, the infection could have led to life-threatening complications, including stroke or paralysis.
Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical lead & Sr. consultant Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Kauvery Hospital said, “The athlete made a full recovery following the surgery. Follow-up tests confirmed that the infection had been fully eradicated and that her heart valve was functioning perfectly. She was discharged in good health and is now on the path to resuming her athletic career.”
Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, is equipped with advanced cardiac care facilities and a team of skilled specialists capable of handling rare and complex medical conditions. The hospital is proud to played a role helping this young athlete recover and looks forward to her future success in sports.