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