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Peripheral vascular emboli in patients with infective endocarditis are common
Eric Sung1, Eric H Awtry2, Daniel J Koh1
1Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|January 12, 2025
Summary
Peripheral vascular emboli are common in infective endocarditis (IE) patients, often occurring with cerebral events. This condition significantly increases morbidity and mortality, especially in younger individuals undergoing interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) presents substantial morbidity and mortality risks.
- Patients with IE are susceptible to peripheral vascular emboli, impacting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of peripheral emboli in IE patients.
- To analyze associated complications and outcomes of peripheral emboli in IE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center review of 525 IE patients from 2013-2021.
- Identification and analysis of patients with peripheral vascular emboli, including clinical characteristics and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 14.3% of IE patients experienced peripheral emboli, predominantly in splenic and renal arteries.
- Common causes included intravenous drug use (62.7%) and Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus).
- Survival rates were lower for IE patients with peripheral emboli (43% at 5 years) and those undergoing interventions (36.6% at 5 years).
Conclusions:
- Peripheral vascular emboli are a frequent complication of IE, often co-occurring with cerebral emboli.
- IE patients with peripheral emboli face high morbidity and mortality, particularly those requiring interventions.
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