Exudative and proliferative inflammation of the endocardial surface of the heart. Infective endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the endocardial surface of the heart, most often involving the heart valves. Previously was categorized as acute, subacute, or chronic bacterial endocarditis but is now categorized by the offending microorganism (i.e., streptococcal infective endocarditis).
Exudative and proliferative inflammatory alterations of the endocardium, characterized by the presence of vegetations on the surface of the endocardium or in the endocardium itself, and most commonly involving a heart valve, but sometimes affecting the inner lining of the cardiac chambers or the endocardium elsewhere. It may occur as a primary disorder or as a complication of or in association with another disease.
Inflammation of the endocardium, usually associated with acute rheumatic fever or some other infectious agent.
Inflammation of the membrane lining of the heart and the heart valves, caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever and changes in heart rhythms; damage to heart valves may occur. Treatment consists of bed rest, antibiotics, and surgery, if necessary, to treat damaged valves.
Inflammation of the endocardium, heart valves, or cardiac prosthesis resulting from an infectious agent entering the bloodstream.
Inflammation of the lining of the heart, generally from infection.
Inflammation of the endocardium (lining that covers the inside of the heart) and usually the heart valves. The most common cause of endocarditis is infection by bacteria, particularly varieties that normally reside in the mouth, respiratory tract, and intestinal system. The disease can also be caused by fungi. Endocarditis is a serious disease that is life- threatening.
Inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity (endocardium) and valves. It is most often due to rheumatic fever or results from bacterial infection (bacterial endocarditis). Temporary or permanent damage to the heart valves may result. The main features are fever, changing heart murmurs, heart failure, and embolism. Treatment consists of rest and antibiotics; surgery may be required to repair damaged heart valves.
Inflammation of the lining, valves and muscle of the heart. The main causes are bacterial and virus infections and rheumatic fever, and the condition occurs most often in patients whose endocardium is already damaged by congenital deformities or whose immune system has been suppressed by drugs. Infection may be introduced into the bloodstream during dental treatment or surgical procedures, especially on the heart or on the gastrointestinal system. Persons with congenital heart valve disease must take an antibiotic at the time of dental and certain other surgery. The condition is potentially very serious and treatment is with large doses of antibiotic drugs.
Infection or inflammation of the heart valves or of the lining of the heart. In day-to-day clinical speech, this word is often used to mean “infective endocarditis.”
Endocarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the endocardium, which is the innermost layer of tissue enveloping the heart.
The endocardium, the inner membrane that coats the inside of the heart and particularly covers the heart valves, experiences inflammation.
Endocarditis predominantly stems from infections due to bacteria, fungi, or other microbes. These can enter the body during surgical procedures, including those in dentistry, via unclean intravenous injections, or through tears in the skin or mucous membranes. These organisms then journey to the heart through the bloodstream. Consequently, the heart valve linings become inflamed, potentially damaging the valves and potentially leading to the formation of blood clots in the impacted regions.
Individuals with a history of endocardial damage due to disease, those with artificial heart valves, or those with certain types of congenital heart defects are particularly susceptible to endocarditis. This susceptibility is because clots, which develop on the damaged areas, can ensnare the offending microbes. These organisms then rapidly proliferate at the site of the injury.
People who use intravenous drugs are at risk of endocarditis, even if their hearts are in good condition. This is because unsterile needles or contaminated skin at the injection site can introduce harmful microorganisms into their bloodstream.
Individuals with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing endocarditis because their ability to resist infections is diminished. As a result, organisms that are typically harmless can lead to severe infections.
Endocarditis can present as either subacute or acute. In its subacute manifestation, symptoms are usually broad and not specific, possibly encompassing tiredness, feelings of fever, and indistinct aches and pains. A physical examination might only reveal a heart murmur as the noticeable abnormality.
Acute endocarditis, though less common, arises abruptly and leads to symptoms like breathlessness, intense chills, high fever, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. The infection rapidly advances and can potentially devastate the heart valves, resulting in heart failure.
The diagnosis of endocarditis is established through a physical examination and the evaluation of blood samples. Tests that may be performed on the heart include an ECG, which measures the heart’s electrical activity, and echocardiography, an ultrasound-based technique that generates detailed images of the heart. Echocardiography is able to depict the heart’s structure and motion and can identify any clusters of infected material on the heart valves or within a heart chamber.
Endocarditis treatment typically involves administering high doses of antibiotics, usually through an intravenous route. For those at risk, antibacterial medications are provided as a preventative measure. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to replace a damaged heart valve.
Inflammation of the endocardium, particularly affecting the portion that covers the heart valves. This condition is often associated with rheumatic fever or bacterial infections.