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Historical aspects of infective endocarditis
Max Grinberg1, Maria Cecilia Solimene
1Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. grinberg@incor.usp.br
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|May 4, 2011
Summary
Infective endocarditis, once fatal, is now curable due to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This review traces its historical evolution from a poorly understood condition to a clinically defined disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical History
Background:
- Infective endocarditis was historically a fatal condition with limited treatment options.
- Significant advancements in medical knowledge and technology have transformed its prognosis.
Observation:
- The review examines the historical trajectory of infective endocarditis, starting from 19th-century observations.
- It highlights the evolution from a 'clinically possible' diagnosis to a 'clinically defined' disease.
Findings:
- Key developments include improved diagnostic tools like echocardiography.
- Cardiac surgery during active infection and updated antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines have improved outcomes.
Implications:
- Infective endocarditis is now a curable condition, representing a major success in medical history.
- Understanding this evolution informs current and future management strategies for infective endocarditis.
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