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      Infective Endocarditis in the Transesophageal Echocardiographic Era

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          Abstract

          During a 45-month period, 50 consecutive patients with infective endocarditis were evaluated at the National Taiwan University Hospital with emphasis on the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the management of these patients. Among them, rheumatic heart disease was still the most common underlying cardiac disorder (10/50, 20%), while mitral valve prolapse (8/50,16%) and congenital heart disease (8/50,16%) were also frequently encountered. More than one third (19/50, 38%) had no underlying heart disease. Four intravenous drug abusers, quite rare previously in Taiwan, were found during the study period. Native valves involved were mostly mitral valve (n = 18), aortic valve (n = 15), and both mitral and aortic valves (n = 3). Tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve were involved in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. Streptococcus viridans was the leading microorganism isolated (21/50, 42%). Staphylococci and enterococci were found in 9 (18%) and 5 (10%) patients, respectively. Twelve patients (24%) were culture-negative in this series. Embolic complications occurred in 13 patients (26%), with a total of 17 episodes. No significant correlation was found between the occurrence of embolization and the vegetation size or the location of the vegetation, if patients with right-sided valvular vegetation and no identifiable vegetation were excluded. Surgery was needed by 25 patients (50%), and mortality occurred in 6 (12%). TEE was superior to transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of vegetations at the mitral or prosthetic valves. Concerning the associated complications with infective endocarditis, TEE was also superior in estimating the severity of mitral regurgitation, recognizing ruptured chordae tendineae and detecting subaortic complications such as valve ring abscess and mitral valve perforation. In conclusion, TEE is a highly valuable adjunct to other diagnostic tools in certain cases of suspected infective endocarditis or with a complicated clinical course. Awareness of the changing spectrum of underlying heart disease and a proper diagnostic approach will make clinicians more alert to early detection of infective endocarditis in the new era.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          CRD
          Cardiology
          10.1159/issn.0008-6312
          Cardiology
          S. Karger AG
          0008-6312
          1421-9751
          1993
          1993
          18 November 2008
          : 83
          : 4
          : 250-257
          Affiliations
          aDepartment of Emergency Medicine and bCardiology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
          Article
          175978 Cardiology 1993;83:250–257
          10.1159/000175978
          8281542
          1b37f80d-510e-4692-b233-e280aa968a3e
          © 1993 S. Karger AG, Basel

          Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

          History
          : 15 June 1993
          : 28 July 1993
          Page count
          Pages: 8
          Categories
          Diagnostic Cardiology

          General medicine,Neurology,Cardiovascular Medicine,Internal medicine,Nephrology
          Transesophageal echocardiography,Infective endocarditis,Transthoracic echocardiography

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