Infective endocarditis: definition, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On May 3, 2023

Let’s talk about infective endocarditis: Endocarditis is a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves

Pathogens, in short, arrive with the bloodstream to the heart, proliferating and damaging it.

Without quick treatment, endocarditis can damage or destroy the heart valves.

Treatments for endocarditis include medications and surgery.

Unexplained weight loss
Blood in urine
Tenderness under the left rib cage (spleen)
Painless red, purple, or brown flat spots on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands (Janeway lesions)
Painful red or purple bumps or patches of dark skin (hyperpigmented) on the tips of your fingers or toes (Osler’s nodes)
Small round purple, red or brown spots on the skin (petechiae), on the whites of the eyes or inside the mouth

Many different situations can cause germs to enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis.

Having a bad, diseased, or damaged heart valve increases your risk of the condition.

However, endocarditis can occur in those who do not have heart valve problems.

Old age. Endocarditis occurs most often in adults over the age of 60.
Artificial heart valves. Germs are more likely to attach themselves to an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve than to a normal heart valve.
Damaged heart valves. Some medical conditions, such as rheumatic fever or infection, can damage or scar one or more heart valves, increasing the risk of infection. A history of endocarditis also increases the risk of infection.
Congenital heart defects. Being born with some types of heart defects, such as an irregular heart or damaged heart valves, increases the risk of heart infections.
Implanted heart device. The bacteria can attach to an implanted device, such as a pacemaker, causing an infection of the lining of the heart.
Illegal intravenous drug use. Using dirty IV needles can lead to infections such as endocarditis. Contaminated needles and syringes are a particular concern for people who use illegal intravenous drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.
Bad dental health. A healthy mouth and healthy gums are essential for good health. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria can grow inside your mouth and can enter your bloodstream through a cut on your gums. Some dental procedures that can cut into the gums can also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Long-term catheter use. A catheter is a thin tube used to perform certain medical procedures. Having a catheter in place for a long time (indwelling catheter) increases the risk of endocarditis.

In endocarditis, bumpy growths made of germs and pieces of cells form a mass in the heart.

These tufts are called vegetations

They can break free and travel to the brain, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

They can also travel to the arms and legs.

Heart failure
Heart valve damage
Hit
Pockets of collected pus (abscesses) that develop in the heart, brain, lungs, and other organs
Blood clot in a pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism)
Kidney damage
Enlarged spleen

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Know the signs and symptoms of endocarditis. See your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of an infection, especially a fever that won’t go away, unexplained fatigue, any type of skin infection, or open cuts or sores that don’t heal properly.
Take care of your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth and gums often, and floss. Get regular dental checkups. Good dental hygiene is an important part of maintaining overall health.
Do not use illegal drugs intravenously. Dirty needles can send bacteria into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of endocarditis.