Patent Ductus Arteriosus Complicated by Subacute Bacterial Endarteritis: Report of a Case Successfully Treated by Chemotherapy and Surgery *

A white Russian-Jewish housewife of 25 years was admitted to the private medical service on June 10, 1942. Her complaints were weakness and fever. At various times during her childhood it had been pointed out by physicians that a cardiac abnormality was present. The patient, however, was unaware of any cardio-respiratory symptoms even with moderate exertion. She married at the age of 22, and was delivered after a normal full-term pregnancy without complications in April, 1940. Four years prior to admission she had an acute illness, diagnosed as "intestinal grippe," and followed by moderate jaundice for two weeks. Ten days before admission she noticed chilly sensations and unusual perspiration, followed by marked weakness. Seven days before admission she remained abed, and for five days noted a hacking, non-productive, nocturnal cough. There was no antecedent sore throat or acute upper respiratory infection, and no symptoms referable to bones and joints.