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Endocarditis (Infective Endocarditis)

A bacterial or fungal infection of the inner lining of the heart and the heart valves.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Endocarditis (Infective Endocarditis)?

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious bacterial or fungal infection that affects the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) and, particularly, the heart valves. Microorganisms attach to damaged or prosthetic valves, multiply, and form vegetations.

Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species are the most common causes. Patients at risk include those with valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves, intravenous drug users, and those undergoing long-term hemodialysis or invasive procedures.

Without treatment, IE can lead to valve destruction, embolic events (brain, kidney), heart failure, and death. Management requires prolonged intensive antibiotic therapy and, in many cases, surgical intervention.

Symptoms

Prolonged fever and chills
Night sweats and loss of appetite
Fatigue and weight loss
New or changed heart murmur
Tender red-pink nodules on the fingertips (Osler nodes)
Splinter hemorrhages under the nails
Splenomegaly and findings of kidney involvement

Risk Factors

Pre-existing valvular disease or a prosthetic valve
Prior episode of endocarditis
Congenital heart disease
Intravenous drug use
Long-term central venous catheter
Hemodialysis
Immunocompromised state

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek immediate evaluation for prolonged fever in someone with known valve disease
  • Fever together with a newly developed heart murmur
  • Unexplained weight loss and prolonged fatigue
  • Fever following a dental or invasive procedure, particularly in at-risk patients
  • Signs of embolism (sudden vision loss, stroke, severe abdominal pain)

Treatment Methods

01
Prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy (4–6 weeks)
02
Antibiotic selection guided by the causative organism and follow-up
03
Surgery in cases of valve destruction, uncontrolled infection, or embolic complications
04
Surgery is more frequently required for prosthetic-valve endocarditis
05
Antibiotic prophylaxis for at-risk patients before dental or surgical procedures
06
Serial echocardiography to monitor vegetations

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.