[Tricuspid valve replacement for infective endocarditis in drug addict--a case report].

For right-sided endocarditis associated with drug abuse a successful treatment by tricuspid valve replacement was reported. A 34-year-old female who had a history of intravenous drug use for 14 years was admitted with complaints of chest pain, fever and dyspnea. A large vegetation about 47 mm in size attached to the tricuspid valve with tricuspid regurgitation was detected by echocardiography. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was isolated in a blood culture. Because infection was persistent and uncontrollable in spite of sensitive multiple antibiotic regimens, tricuspid valve replacement using a St. Jude Medical valve was successfully performed with excision of markedly destroyed leaflets and debridement of the infectious lesions. After surgery the patient has been free from infection for 3 years.