Endocarditis

What is endocarditis? 

Endocarditis is a serious infection  of one  of the four  heart valves.

What causes endocarditis? 

Endocarditis is caused by  a growth  of bacteria  on one of the heart valves, leading to an infected mass called a "vegetation".  The infection may be introduced during brief periods of having bacteria in  the bloodstream, such as after dental work, colonoscopy,  and other similar procedures. 

What are  the symptoms of endocarditis? 

Patients with endocarditis can develop: 

• fever,
• fatigue,
• chills,
• weakness
• aching joints and muscles, 
• night sweats, 
• edema (fluid collection) in the leg(s), foot (feet), and abdomen, 
• malaise,
• shortness  of breath, and 
• occasionally, scattered small skin lesions. 

In endocarditis,  blood cultures can often detect  the bacteria causing the endocarditis. Patients can also develop anemia, blood  in urine, elevated white  blood cell count, and a new heart murmur. 

Who is at risk for endocarditis? 

People with existing diseases  of the heart valves (aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, etc.) and people who have undergone heart valve replacements are at an increased risk of developing endocarditis. These people are usually given antibiotics prior  to any procedure which may introduce bacteria  into the bloodstream.  This includes routine dental work, minor surgery,  and procedures that may traumatize body tissues such as colonoscopy and gynecologic or urologic examinations. Examples of antibiotics used include oral amoxicillin (Amoxil) and erythromycin (Emycin, Eryc,PCE), as well as intramuscular or intravenous ampicillin, gentamicin, and vancomycin. 

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited April 10, 2010)