Toothache develops into heart infection and strokes

Summarised from North Wales Pioneer's report · Updated 5 Nov, 10:27 · Archive

A toothache developed into a life-threatening heart infection, sepsis and strokes in a 42-year-old man from north Wales.

Danny Ellis, 42, from Llanrwst, developed severe toothache whilst on holiday in April. His dentist prescribed antibiotics, which seemed to help initially. However, the pain returned in May and an X-ray found no cause. A second course of antibiotics brought only temporary relief.

In June, Ellis began feeling unwell with what seemed like flu symptoms. His wife noticed red marks across his arms, legs and body, which are believed to be Janeway lesions, a possible sign of endocarditis. She booked him a GP appointment for 23 June. Doctors discovered the infection had spread from his tooth into his bloodstream and attacked his heart's mitral valve, creating a hole. He subsequently developed sepsis and suffered a series of strokes.

Surgeons attempted lifesaving surgery but had to abandon the operation when his blood refused to clot. Ellis, who co-owns a SPAR shop in Betws-y-Coed, nearly died from the complications of the initial toothache.

Read the report

• Dad nearly dies after toothache develops into heart infection, sepsis and strokesConwy dad Danny Ellis nearly died after toothache led to heart infection, sepsis and strokes, with a hole in his mitral valve requiring lifesaving surgery.North Wales Pioneer · 5 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Danny Ellis · Llanrwst · Conwy

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