Infective Endocarditis Presenting as Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Appeal for Caution

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as the presenting feature of infective endocarditis (IE) is rare. It has classically been described in association with the rupture of intracranial mycotic aneurysms (ICMA). Here we describe a very rare case of non-aneurysmal spontaneous SAH in a patient with IE. The patient originally presented with a headache and low-grade fever. Neuroimaging including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed SAH. She was eventually diagnosed with streptococcus gallolyticus (formerly streptococcus bovis) IE. Through this case, we advocate consideration of the diagnosis of IE in patients with SAH so that there is timely recognition of this reversible but serious disease.