Infectious Endocarditis
Definition:
Infectious endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves caused by the invasion and multiplication of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms.
Causes:
There are several potential causes of infectious endocarditis, including:
- Bacterial infections (most commonly caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria)
- Fungal infections
- Less frequently, infections caused by other microorganisms, such as viruses or parasites
Risk Factors:
Several factors increase the risk of developing infectious endocarditis:
- Presence of abnormal heart valves
- Previous history of endocarditis
- Congenital heart defects
- Chronic intravenous drug use
- Recent dental or surgical procedures
- Immunosuppressive conditions or medications
Symptoms:
The symptoms of infectious endocarditis can vary and may include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Heart murmur
- Joint and muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Swelling in the feet, legs, or abdomen
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing infectious endocarditis typically involves:
- Physical examination and evaluation of symptoms
- Blood tests to check for signs of infection and inflammation
- Echocardiogram to assess the heart valves and chambers
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity
- Other imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to check for complications and spread of infection
Treatment:
Treatment of infectious endocarditis usually involves:
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics or antifungal medications to eliminate the infection
- In severe cases or when complications arise, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves
- Long-term antibiotic or antifungal therapy may be required, especially in cases involving prosthetic heart valves or recurrent infections
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to prevent recurrence and manage complications
Prevention:
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of infectious endocarditis include:
- Proper dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing
- Use of antibiotics before dental or surgical procedures for individuals at high risk
- Adherence to sterile techniques during intravenous drug use
- Regular medical follow-ups for individuals with heart conditions or prosthetic heart valves