Acute & Subacute Endocarditis
What is it?
Acute endocarditis, also known as infective endocarditis, is a life threatening condition. During endocarditis, the heart’s chambers and valves inner lining is inflamed. Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) is a slowly developing type of infective endocarditis. It can cause serious damage to the heart tissue as well as complications that affect the entire body. Endocarditis is typically caused by bacterial infection- the acute type is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus whilst the subacute form is usually caused by penicillin-sensitive Streptococcus viridans.. Enterococci are versatile and may produce either acute or subacute endocarditis. The pneumococcus nearly always produces an acute infection. People with artificial or damaged heart valves, heart devices, or other heart defects are at greater risk for endocarditis. The bacteria and fungi may enter the bloodstream from improper dental care, catheters and intravenous drug use. Endocarditis complications may include stroke, pulmonary embolism, abcesses in different organs, and kidney damage.
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Additional names
This group contains additional names:
- Fungal endocarditis
- Mycotic aneurysm
- Mycotic endocarditis
Signs & symptoms
Endocarditis, acute or subacute, symptoms may vary and are not very specific. These symptoms may include aching joints and muscles, chest pain, fatigue,flu-like symptoms, night sweats, shortness of breath, leg/feet/abdomen swelling, a new heart murmur, unexplained weight loss, spleen tenderness, red spots on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, petechiae on the skin, inside the mouth or in the whites of the eyes.
Diagnosis
Endocarditis diagnosis is based upon medical history and physical examination, including listening with a stethoscope to the heart. Further tests may include blood culture test, complete blood count or leukocytosis or anemia and an echocardiogram for cardiac function. An ECG can show the electrical heart activity, and it is not specific.
Treatment
Endocarditis treatment includes high doses of antibiotics, first intravenously and then oraly. Valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with infectious endocarditis. People who are at greater risk for endocarditis it is recommended taking antibiotics before having any dental work done.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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