Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
07:50
An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
Published on: January 7, 2019
Native valve right sided infective endocarditis
Karolina Akinosoglou1, Efstratios Apostolakis, Markos Marangos
1Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Rio, Greece. k.akinosoglou07@imperial.ac.uk
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|February 2, 2013
Summary
Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), common in injecting drug users, often presents with fever and respiratory issues. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are key for recovery, with echocardiography aiding detection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) comprises 5-10% of infective endocarditis (IE) cases.
- It predominantly affects injecting drug users (IDUs), frequently with HIV/HCV coinfections.
- Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pathogenesis of RSIE.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and approaches for RSIE.
- To identify prognostic factors and treatment outcomes in RSIE.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic modalities for RSIE.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, particularly in the IDU population.
- Correlation of pathogen virulence and vegetation size with patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- RSIE typically manifests as persistent fever and respiratory symptoms, lacking systemic embolization signs.
- High index of suspicion is crucial for prompt diagnosis.
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) detects most RSIE cases; transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) enhances sensitivity.
- Organism virulence and vegetation size significantly impact prognosis.
Conclusions:
- RSIE diagnosis requires vigilance, especially in at-risk populations.
- Echocardiography plays a vital role in RSIE detection.
- Effective antibiotic therapy is generally curative for most RSIE cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...