Subacute bacterial endocarditis and complete endocardial cushion defect

Subacute bacterial endocarditis involving the common atrioventricular (AV) valve is a rare complication of complete endocardial cushion defect. This report describes our experience with an 18-year-old patient who was seen with this problem. Diagnosis was established by two-dimensional echocardiography. The operative findings and technique of repair are described. We believe this to be among the first successful reports of complete repair of active endocarditis involving the common AV valve in this congenital anomaly.