Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae var gravis endocarditis of the aortic valve

A patient developed non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae var gravis aortic valve endocarditis with a large left ventricular wall abscess. The infection was managed by debridement of the abscess and replacement of the aortic valve by an aortic homograft valve. Persisting infection allowed the abscess cavity to erode into the ventricular wall. The infection was controlled by closure of the abscess cavity following instillation of a mixture of antibiotic and biological glue. Reoperation was subsequently required to close residual communications between the cavity and aorta and left ventricle. The patient was well 4 years after the last procedure.