Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Atrial septal endocarditis
Andrew R J Mitchell1, Paul Leeson, Jonathan Timperley
1Department of Echocardiography, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom. mitcharj@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Atrial septal endocarditis, an infection of the heart
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Atrial septal endocarditis is a rare condition.
- It can occur independently or with valvular endocarditis.
- It has been reported after procedures to close atrial septal defects.
Observation:
- This study presents echocardiography findings in a young male patient.
- The patient presented with endocarditis affecting an abnormal mitral valve.
- Endocarditis associated with an atrial septal defect was identified.
Findings:
- Echocardiography revealed endocarditis linked to both the mitral valve and an atrial septal defect.
- This case highlights a complex presentation of infective endocarditis.
- The findings underscore the importance of thorough echocardiographic evaluation.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of atrial septal defect endocarditis.
- It emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing associated cardiac defects.
- Echocardiography is crucial for identifying these complex infections.
Abstract:
Atrial septal endocarditis can occur as an isolated event or in association with valvular endocarditis. It is also reported following percutaneous device closure of atrial septal defects. We present the echocardiography findings from a young man presenting with endocarditis of an abnormal mitral valve in whom endocarditis was demonstrated associated with an atrial septal defect.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
