Listeria monocytogenes endocarditis: a review of the literature 1950-1986.

34 cases of Listeria monocytogenes endocarditis reported in the literature from 1950-1986 were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 2: 1. The average age was 49 years, and 35% of patients were 60 years of age or older. A single case of polymicrobial endocarditis was identified. There were 8 cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Left-sided cardiac involvement predominated, with only a single case of right-sided endocarditis reported. Aortic and mitral valvular involvement accounted for 32 and 29% of cases respectively. Underlying cardiac disease was present in over half of the cases, with rheumatic heart disease being the most common underlying cardiac condition. Noncardiac underlying conditions were found in 38% of cases. These included chronic hemodialysis, alcoholism, pregnancy, malignancies, diabetes mellitus, steroid therapy and malnutrition. Onset of the disease was varied as was initial presentation. There was a high incidence of vascular phenomena (59%), with large vessel emboli seen late in the course of many cases. Many cases were diagnosed late. Overall mortality was 50%. Treatment of listeria endocarditis varied from case to case. A review of in vitro and in vivo studies as well as case reports suggests that ampicillin or penicillin plus an aminoglycoside may be the treatment of choice.