Infective endocarditis complicated by mycotic cerebral aneurysm: two case reports of women in the peripartum period

Mycotic cerebral aneurysm is a relatively rare but very serious complication of infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is a rare but a potentially fatal complication of pregnancy. We report here two very rare cases of infective endocarditis associated with mycotic cerebral aneurysm in peripartum women. In one case, cardiac surgery was performed prior to cerebral surgery and after delivery. In the other case, emergency cerebral surgery was performed due to rupture on the day cardiac surgery had been scheduled, 45 days after delivery. The surgical management of a patient with infective endocarditis and mycotic cerebral aneurysm is reviewed. The surgical strategy for a pregnant patient is also reviewed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.