Content:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Overview
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart including infections of the large thoracic vessels and intracardiac foreign bodies characterized by the presence of vegetation which is a nidus for microorganism invasion.
It often presents in an occult fashion and early diagnosis depends on a high index of clinical suspicion and low threshold for investigation especially in patients with congenital heart disease, prosthetic valves or previous infective endocarditis.
The established diagnosis of infective endocarditis is demonstrated by a positive blood culture and involvement of the endocardium detected during sepsis or systemic infection.
The therapeutic goal is to produce bactericidal levels of drugs at the infected site for a maximum period of time.
For further information regarding the management of Infective Endocarditis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
It often presents in an occult fashion and early diagnosis depends on a high index of clinical suspicion and low threshold for investigation especially in patients with congenital heart disease, prosthetic valves or previous infective endocarditis.
The established diagnosis of infective endocarditis is demonstrated by a positive blood culture and involvement of the endocardium detected during sepsis or systemic infection.
The therapeutic goal is to produce bactericidal levels of drugs at the infected site for a maximum period of time.
For further information regarding the management of Infective Endocarditis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
