[Infective endocarditis: spectrum of multidetector computed tomography findings]

Infectious endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, typically involving the cardiac valves, and that presents with higher incidence in patients with degenerative and congenital valve disorders, prostheses and foreign bodies (e.g. defibrillator and pacemaker leads). Initial assessment include transthoracic echocardiography, however transesophageal echocardiography and other multiplanar imaging modalities may be needed to better delineate the presence of vegetations and other complications. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is particularly useful in detection and assessment of some intracardiac complications including abscesses and pseudoaneurysms. In addition, it also aids in detection of extracardiac complications as a result of pulmonary or systemic embolization, and mycotic aneurysms. In this article, we review the spectrum of MDCT findings observed in patients with infective endocarditis.