Protein-losing enteropathy post-valvular surgery with severe tricuspid regurgitation in Subutex-related endocarditis

Lee LC, Wong R, Raju GC, Khor C, Yip J
Correspondence: Dr Lee Li Ching, leeliching@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
We report a 25-year-old Malay man with Subutex-related endocarditis, complicated by protein-losing enteropathy from severe tricuspid regurgitation and congestive heart failure. The intestinal protein loss was reversed with surgical valvular intervention. This case highlights the importance of recognising the rare association between protein-losing enteropathy and congestive heart failure in the setting of endocarditis.

Keywords: congestive heart failure, drug abuse, endocarditis, protein-losing enteropathy, Subutex
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(4): e124-e126