Infectious Diseases of the Heart: Pathophysiology, Clinical and Imaging Overview

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Infections can affect the endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium.
• Cardiac infections are rare but have high morbidity and mortality, especially in at-risk populations.
• Diagnostic imaging is vital, though sensitivity varies due to nonspecific signs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiac infections based on primary cardiac involvement.
• To emphasize cross-sectional imaging manifestations of these infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of infectious organisms affecting the heart (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses).
• Discussion of diagnostic imaging modalities, including echocardiography, cardiac CT, and MR imaging.
• Highlighting the role of MR imaging in characterizing inflammatory changes and complications.

Main Results:

• Echocardiography remains primary, but cardiac CT and MR imaging are preferred for complex cases.
• MR imaging offers functional, morphologic, and prognostic information, including edema and gadolinium enhancement patterns.
• Imaging aids in diagnosing abscesses, infected prosthetic material, and cryptic infections.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac infections require careful diagnosis and management.
• Advanced cross-sectional imaging, particularly MR imaging, significantly enhances diagnostic capabilities.
• Understanding imaging manifestations is key for effective patient care.