Fatal bacterial endocarditis as a complication of permanent indwelling catheters. Report of two cases.

Two cases of endocarditis secondary to permanent indwelling catheters are described. In both cases, the catheters were used for parenteral nutrition and became infected with Staphylococci. Secondary endocarditis developed on the tricuspid and aortic valves. Despite removal of the catheters and appropriate antibiotics, both patients died.