Knowra Infective endocarditis Infective endocarditis Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining, usually involving a valve. It can damage heart tissue and send infected material into the bloodstream.
Endocardial vegetation : A mass of platelets, fibrin, microbes, and inflammatory cells attached to the endocardium, often a heart valve. These infected masses are the characteristic lesions that build up during the disease.
Duke criteria : A set of clinical criteria used to classify suspected infective endocarditis as definite, possible, or rejected. The criteria combine blood-culture, imaging, and clinical findings to support diagnosis.
Endocardium : The thin inner layer lining the chambers and valves of the heart. Infective endocarditis is defined by infection involving this heart lining.
Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis : Sterile deposits of platelets and fibrin on heart valves, associated with conditions such as cancer or systemic illness. It can resemble an infected vegetation but lacks microbial infection.
Bacteremia : The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Circulating bacteria can adhere to damaged or susceptible endocardial surfaces.
Blood culture : A laboratory test that detects microorganisms circulating in a blood sample. Repeated cultures identify the causative organism and guide antimicrobial selection.
Heart valve : A structure that directs blood flow through the heart by opening and closing with each heartbeat. Valves are the most frequent sites of infection and destructive lesions.
Rheumatic heart disease : Chronic heart-valve damage that can follow acute rheumatic fever after group A streptococcal infection. It causes valve abnormalities but is not an active infection of the heart lining.
Biofilm : A structured community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix and attached to a surface. Biofilm-like growth on vegetations helps organisms persist despite host defenses and antibiotics.
Echocardiography : Imaging of the heart using ultrasound to assess its structure and function. It can reveal vegetations, valve damage, and complications such as abscesses.
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