URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001098.htm
Alternative names
Valve infectionDefinition
Endocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Endocarditis can involve the heart muscle, heart valves, or lining of the heart. Most people who develop endocarditis have heart disease of the valves.
Risk factors for developing endocarditis include:
Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. However, it can also be caused by fungi. In some cases, no cause can be identified.
Symptoms
Note: Endocarditis symptoms can develop slowly (subacute) or suddenly (acute).
Signs and tests
Doctors might suspect endocarditis in people with a history of:
Physical examination may reveal an enlarged spleen.
The health care provider may detect a new heart murmur, or a change in a previous heart murmur. Examination of the nails may show splinter hemorrhages.
Eye examination may show retinal hemorrhages with a central area of clearing (called Roth's spots), and small, pinpoint hemorrhages (petechiae) in the conjunctiva. The fingertips may become enlarged, and the nails may curve (clubbing).
Tests:
Treatment
People with this condition will often need to be hospitalized at first to receive antibiotics through a vein (intravenously). Long-term antibiotic therapy is needed to get the bacteria out of the heart chambers and valves.
Patients will usually have therapy for 6 weeks. The antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivity tests.
Surgery to replace the heart valve is usually needed when:
Expectations (prognosis)
Early treatment of endocarditis improves the chances of a good outcome. However, valve destruction or strokes can result in death.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you notice the following symptoms during or after treatment:
Prevention
People with certain heart conditions often take preventive antibiotics before dental procedures or surgeries involving the respiratory, urinary, or intestinal tract. Those with a history of endocarditis should have continued medical follow-up.
Update Date: 11/1/2007 Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.