What is the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis?

What is the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis?

The pathogenesis of infective endocarditis is a complex process that re- quires at least three critical elements: preparation of the cardiac valve for bacterial colonization; adherence of circulating bacteria to the prepared valvular surface; survival of adherent bacteria, with propagation of the endocardial vegetation …

What are the pathological process characteristics of infective endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis is an endovascular microbial infection of cardiovascular structures, including large intrathoracic vessels and intracardiac foreign bodies. The characteristic lesions consist of vegetations composed of platelets, fibrin, microorganisms, and inflammatory cells, as well as leaflet disruption.

What are the symptoms of infective endocarditis?

What are the symptoms of infective endocarditis? The symptoms of acute IE usually begin with fever (102°–104°), chills, fast heart rate, fatigue, night sweats, aching joints and muscles, persistent cough, or swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen.

What is endocarditis pathology?

Endocarditis, inflammation of the heart lining, or endocardium. Endocarditis is caused by any of a number of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, rickettsias, and possibly viruses, that enter the bloodstream and become trapped in the heart.

When to be suspicious of infective endocarditis?

According to infectious disease specialist Andrew Catanzaro, MD, “If you have a patient who has repeat blood cultures that are positive for bacteremia and it is slow to clear from the blood stream for greater than 48 hours, then you should be suspicious of infective endocarditis.” 1

How serious is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and heart valves. The condition is sometimes called infective endocarditis, and it can damage your heart, causing serious complications. Though infective endocarditis is potentially life threatening, most people who are treated with antibiotics recover.

How is endocarditis treated?

Many cases of endocarditis are successfully treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery may be required to fix damaged heart valves and clean up any remaining signs of the infection.

What are symptoms of bacterial heart infection?

Endocarditis is often caused by the growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves, leading to a mass known as a vegetation. Symptoms can be nonspecific and include fever, malaise, shortness of breath, and weakness.