Diagnostic imaging in infective endocarditis: a contemporary perspective.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) presents significant diagnostic challenges.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for risk stratification, treatment, and surgical decisions.
• Multimodal imaging has revolutionized IE diagnosis in select patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging modalities for IE diagnosis.
• To assess literature published between January 2009 and February 2020.
• To illustrate IE diagnostic approaches using clinical cases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of imaging modalities for IE diagnosis.
• Analysis of studies published within a specific timeframe (2009-2020).
• Case study illustrations of IE diagnostic pathways.

Main Results:

• Novel imaging approaches enhance diagnosis of cardiac and extracardiac complications.
• Multimodal imaging allows for individualized diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
• The review covers various imaging techniques relevant to IE.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal imaging is key for improving IE diagnosis and management.
• A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for guiding imaging use.
• Individualized patient care is enhanced through advanced imaging techniques.