Infectious endocarditis

Question 1

Infectious endocarditis is usually due to

Answer 1

bacterial infection (staphylococcal infections are leading cause)

Question 2

What is infectious endocarditis?

Answer 2

• bacterial infection of endocardium & valves causing inflammation
• Causing inflm of endocardium (most internal layer of muscle tissue) & valves

Question 3

what are the requirements for infectious endocarditis to develop?

Answer 3

• Bacteria must enter & survive in cardiovascular system (through dental/ medical procedure, IV drug users)
• need adherence to surface eg. defective valves, heart surgery, sutures

Question 4

bacteria colonize in the

Answer 4

fibrin strands

Question 5

Mnfts of infectious endocarditis

Answer 5

• those of local & systemic infection
• impaired valve function, causing impaired heart function
• murmur
• distal embolization is a potential complication

Question 6

Diagnosing infectious endocarditis

Answer 6

(difficult)
- History
- C&S of blood & labs (WBC, CRP, blood cultures)
- echo

Question 7

treatment

Answer 7

• antibiotics

- be aware of cardiac complications, avoid & deal with