Current Management of Infective Endocarditis: A Narrative Review Focused on Unmet Clinical Needs and the...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe cardiac infection with high morbidity and mortality rates, showing a rising incidence globally.
• The condition affects heart valves and cardiac devices, leading to complications like embolism, abscesses, and valve dehiscence.
• One-year mortality can be as high as 30%, underscoring the need for improved management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge on infective endocarditis.
• To summarize pathophysiological insights, diagnostic modalities, and surgical strategies for IE.
• To highlight practical recommendations for addressing unmet clinical needs through a multidisciplinary approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on infective endocarditis.
• Integration of data from echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and positron emission tomography.
• Emphasis on a multidisciplinary team approach involving various medical specialists.

Main Results:

• IE presents with diverse clinical manifestations and potential complications.
• Multimodality imaging is increasingly important alongside echocardiography.
• A collaborative approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of infective endocarditis relies on early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and timely surgical intervention.
• A multidisciplinary strategy is vital for optimizing patient care and outcomes.
• Further research and practical recommendations are needed to address current clinical challenges in IE management.