Endocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
See also:

• Culture-negative endocarditis
• Infective endocarditis

Causes

Endocarditis can involve the heart muscle, heart valves, or lining of the heart. Most people who develop endocarditis have heart disease of the valves.
Risk factors for developing endocarditis include:

• Injection drug use
• Permanent central venous access lines
• Prior valve surgery
• Recent dental surgery
• Weakened valves

Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. However, it can also be caused by fungi. In some cases, no cause can be identified.

Symptoms

• Abnormal urine color
• Chills (common)
• Excessive sweating (common)
• Fatigue
• Fever (common)
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches and pains
• Night sweats
• Nail abnormalities (splinter hemorrhages under the nails)
• Paleness
• Red, painless skin spots on the palms and soles (Janeway lesions)
• Red, painful nodes in the pads of the fingers and toes (Osler's nodes)
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Swelling of feet, legs, abdomen
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Note: Endocarditis symptoms can develop slowly (subacute) or suddenly (acute).

Tests:

• Blood culture
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Chest x-ray
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Echocardiogram
• ECG
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Serology
• Transesophageal echocardiogram

Outlook (Prognosis)

Early treatment of endocarditis improves the chances of a good outcome. However, valve destruction or strokes can result in death.

Possible Complications

• Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation
• Blood clots or an infected clot that travels other organs, causing infection and severe damage
• Brain abscess
• Brain or nervous system changes
• Congestive heart failure
• Glomerulonephritis
• Jaundice
• Severe heart valve damage
• Stroke

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you notice the following symptoms during or after treatment:

• Blood in urine
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Weight loss without change in diet .

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