{"id":364,"date":"2026-01-07T01:26:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T01:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kishiwada.tokushukai.or.jp\/en\/?page_id=364"},"modified":"2026-04-11T03:56:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T03:56:06","slug":"infective-endocarditis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kishiwada.tokushukai.or.jp\/en\/departments\/cardiovascular-center\/infective-endocarditis\/","title":{"rendered":"Infective Endocarditis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What it is<\/div>\n
Infection of heart valves and endocardial structures<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Main risk<\/div>\n
Heart failure and systemic embolism<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Treatment<\/div>\n
Prolonged antibiotics with surgery when indicated<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n Infective endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening condition in which bacteria infect the heart valves or endocardial surfaces, forming infected masses known as vegetations. Without appropriate treatment, the condition can be fatal.\n <\/p>\n

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What it is<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria adhere to heart valves or endocardial surfaces, leading to infection and vegetation formation.\n <\/p>\n

\n The incidence is estimated at 2\u20136 cases per 100,000 people per year. Risk factors include valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, prosthetic valves, poor dental hygiene, long-term dialysis, injection drug use, and immunocompromised states.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Causative organisms<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Streptococci were historically the most common causative organisms, but Staphylococcus aureus has become increasingly prevalent.\n <\/p>\n

\n Other pathogens include enterococci and fungi.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Symptoms and clinical features<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Symptoms reflect infection, embolic events, and valvular destruction. Persistent fever is common.\n <\/p>\n

\n Patients may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, or general malaise. Cutaneous or peripheral signs may be present.\n <\/p>\n

\n Embolic complications occur in a significant proportion of patients. Cerebral embolism may result in stroke or mycotic aneurysm, while other organs such as the spleen, kidneys, or intestines may also be affected.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n A heart murmur is often present on examination.\n <\/p>\n

\n Echocardiography is central to diagnosis and can detect vegetations and valvular dysfunction. Blood cultures identify the causative organism, and inflammatory markers are typically elevated.\n <\/p>\n

\n Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, blood cultures, and echocardiographic evidence.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Our treatment<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Treatment addresses both infection and cardiac complications. Prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy is the primary approach.\n <\/p>\n

\n Heart failure management may be required, including diuretics and inotropic support.\n <\/p>\n

\n Surgical intervention is indicated when infection is uncontrolled, heart failure progresses, or embolic risk is high.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Surgical indications and procedure<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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