LEFT VENTRICULAR TO RIGHT ATRIAL COMMUNICATION DUE TO BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS IN A YOUNG PATIENT

Left ventricular-right atrial shunts also known as Gerbode defects are rare and can be either congenital or acquired. A case is here presented of an acquired Gerbode defect discovered in a previously healthy young patient after an episode of endocarditis associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection. Gerbode-type defect due to bacterial endocarditis in childhood is even more rare, it has been recorded few times to our knowledge.