Infective Endocarditis Flashcards
State the signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis.
Fever, fatigue, new or changing heart murmur, night sweats, weight loss, petechiae, splinter hemorrhages, Janeway lesions, Osler nodes, Roth spots.
What are the cardinal symptoms of infective endocarditis?
Fever and new-onset murmur.
What investigations are done for infective endocarditis?
Blood cultures (3 sets), echocardiography (TTE/TEE), CBC, ESR/CRP, urinalysis, ECG, chest X-ray, Duke criteria for diagnosis.
What is the diagnostic investigation of choice for infective endocarditis?
Echocardiography (Transesophageal preferred) and blood cultures.
What is the management of infective endocarditis?
Empiric IV antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin + gentamicin), modify based on cultures, surgical valve replacement if complications.
What are the complications of infective endocarditis?
Heart failure, valvular insufficiency, embolic events, stroke, abscess formation, glomerulonephritis.
What are Janeway lesions and Osler nodes?
Janeway = painless erythematous lesions on palms/soles; Osler = painful nodules on fingers/toes.
What is the most common causative organism of infective endocarditis?
Staphylococcus aureus (especially in acute IE and IV drug users).
What is the role of blood cultures in infective endocarditis?
To identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy.
What does the Duke criteria help with in infective endocarditis?
Diagnosis based on clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic findings.
What is the first-line treatment for infective endocarditis?
Empiric antibiotic therapy with vancomycin and ceftriaxone or gentamicin, modified based on culture results.
When is surgery required in infective endocarditis?
When there is severe valve damage, heart failure, or large vegetations.
What are Roth spots?
Retinal hemorrhages with pale centers, indicative of infective endocarditis.
What is the most common complication of infective endocarditis?
Heart failure due to valvular destruction.
What is the role of echocardiography in infective endocarditis?
To visualize valve vegetations, abscesses, and assess the severity of valve dysfunction.
How long is the typical duration of antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis?
4-6 weeks, depending on the organism.
