Cardiac emergencies: infective endocarditis, pericarditis, and myocarditis
Tin Han Htwe1, Nancy Misri Khardori
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Sentara Medical Group, Norfolk, VA 23502-3979, USA.
Insights
Emergent cardiac infections like endocarditis, pericarditis, and myocarditis require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early management of these cardiovascular emergencies leads to favorable outcomes, with updated guidelines available.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac infections can manifest as critical emergencies.
- Common emergent conditions include infective endocarditis, acute pericarditis, and acute myocarditis.
- These conditions can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emergent cardiovascular infectious diseases.
- To highlight key complications and diagnostic considerations.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
- Analysis of emergent cardiac infection presentations.
- Synthesis of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Infective endocarditis complications include heart failure, valve rupture, arrhythmias, and embolism.
- Acute pericarditis can lead to cardiac tamponade.
- Acute myocarditis may present with severe arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Most emergent cardiac infections have a good prognosis with timely intervention.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes in emergent cardiac infections.
- Updated guidelines from major cardiology societies offer comprehensive treatment strategies.
- Continued vigilance and adherence to evidence-based protocols are essential for managing these cardiovascular emergencies.
Abstract:
Cardiac infections presenting as emergencies include complications of infective endocarditis, including congestive heart failure, chordae tendinae rupture, cardiac arrhythmias, and embolic phenomenon; acute pericarditis, including cardiac tamponade; and acute myocarditis presenting with malignant cardiac arrhythmias or congestive heart failure. Most of these emergent infectious disease manifestations of the cardiovascular system have a good prognosis if diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Newer diagnostic modalities and combined treatment guidelines are available from the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis I: Introduction

