Infectious endocarditis

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Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

Infective endocarditis

Janeway lesion on the finger

Endocarditis - infectious

Hospitalization is required initially to administer intravenous antibiotics. Long-term, high-dose antibiotic trearment is required to eradicate the bacteria from the vegetations on the valves. Treatment is usually administered for 4-6 weeks, depending on the organism. The chosen antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivities tests.

If heart failure develops as a result of damaged heart valves, surgery to replace the affected heart valve may be needed.

Early treatment of bacterial endocarditis generally has a good outcome. Heart valves may be damaged if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

• Congestive heart failure if treatment is delayed
• Blood clots or emboli that travel to brain, kidneys, lungs, or abdomen, causing severe damage
• Arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat), such as atrial fibrillation
• Glomerulonephritis
• Severe valve damage
• Stroke
• Brain abscess
• Neurologic changes
• Jaundice

Call your health care provider if you note the following symptoms during or after treatment:

• Weight loss without change in diet
• Blood in urine
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Numbness or weakness of muscles
• Fever

Review Date: 05/26/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.