TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS A1 - Alpert, Joseph S. A1 - Klotz, Stephen A. A2 - Fuster, Valentin A2 - Harrington, Robert A. A2 - Narula, Jagat A2 - Eapen, Zubin J. Y1 - 2017 N1 - T2 - Hurst's The Heart, 14e AB - Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease caused by a microbial infection involving the endothelial lining of intracardiac structures such as the heart valves. The infection is invariably fatal if untreated. Infection commonly resides on one or more of the heart valve leaflets, but may involve mural endocardium, chordal structures, deeper layers of the myocardium, and/or the pericardium. The presence of an intracardiac or endovascular device provides a nidus for infection, as well as a barrier to eradication. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of IE, 6-month mortality still approaches 25%.1,2 Changes in both patient demographics and microbial biology involving an increased incidence of antibiotic-resistant organisms create challenges for contemporary physicians. Prompt recognition and diagnosis, triggered by a high index of clinical suspicion in susceptible patients, trigger aggressive treatment and represent the critical components of a successful management strategy. Combined medical and surgical intervention leads to improved outcomes for selected patients. However, recent years have not seen improved clinical outcomes, despite medical and surgical advances.3 Patient education, attention to general oral-mucosal hygiene, and the appropriate limited use of prophylactic antibiotics are the mainstays of a preventive strategy. IE is often a complex disease with abnormal function in a number of organ systems. Management by a team of physicians and allied healthcare providers is usually required.3,4 SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesscardiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1161716152 ER -