Reginald Sean Anderson, 14 years old

One night about eight years ago, 6 year old Sean Anderson got up from bed complaining of nausea and stomach ache.  He had a low grade fever, so his parents comforted him and put him back to bed, assuming it was a typical virus.  A week later, Sean still wasn't feeling well, so they took him to his pediatrician, who also diagnosed a virus.  A week later, Sean's condition became worse, and his parents rushed him to the Emergency Room late one night.  The physician diagnosed a virus, and encouraged his parents to keep him hydrated.  The following week, Sean's condition was still worse and he was very weak.  Frantic, his parents brought him to his pediatrician's office again, and for the first time a physician listened to Sean's heart.  He was immediately diagnosed with endocarditis, an inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves.  No one is sure exactly how Sean contracted endocarditis--bacterial infection is the most common source but it can also be caused by fungi.  In some cases, no cause can be identified.  Sean was immediately hospitalized, and spent a month in the hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics.  Long-term antibiotic therapy is required to eradicate the bacteria from the heart chambers and valves.  After continuing more medications at home, Sean returned to normal life, but the infection had damaged his tricuspid valve and his stamina was never strong.  Eight years later, 14 year old Sean needed a physical to try out for High School Basketball.  Although his heart doctor cleared Sean to play, his father was concerned about his lack of stamina, and took Sean to the Sanger Clinic for a second opinion.  Dr. Smith performed and echocardiogram, also revealing that Sean's right tricuspid valve has deteriorated.  Dr. Smith and Dr. Baird consuted with Sean's family, and felt that surgery could correct the problem.  On January 9, 2007, Sean underwent the procedure.  Dr. Baird later told the family that during the operation he was able to correct additional heart problems that were not revealed by the earlier tests.  Sean's liver was being damaged by his enlarged heart, which immediately shrank back to normal size during the procedure.  Sean is recovering well, and hopes to play sports this year.  Sean's family is relieved that Sean's long ordeal is finally over, and that he can grow up without the shadow or effects of his long-ago heart troubles.