Related Experiment Videos
Endocarditis and ventricular septal defect: surgical vs. conservative treatment
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|August 1, 1978
Insights
Ventricular septal defect often closes spontaneously, and bacterial endocarditis is rare and mild. Conservative treatment is recommended unless recurrent endocarditis occurs, particularly in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common congenital heart defect.
- Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or inner lining.
Observation:
- This report details three cases of VSD with superimposed bacterial endocarditis.
- Spontaneous closure of VSD is frequent, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Bacterial endocarditis in VSD cases is typically rare and benign.
Findings:
- Conservative management is the suggested approach for VSD with bacterial endocarditis.
- Surgical intervention may be considered for rare instances of recurrent endocarditis.
Implications:
- Conservative treatment strategies can be effective for most VSD and endocarditis cases.
- Identifying patients with recurrent endocarditis is crucial for considering surgical options.
Abstract:
Three patients with ventricular septal defect and bacterial endocarditis are reported. Because of the very frequent spontaneous closure of the defect, especially in children, and the rarity and benign nature of bacterial endocarditis superimposed on ventricular septal defect, it is suggested that the condition be treated conservatively. An exception to this is the rare case with recurrent endocarditis, mainly in older individuals, in whom surgery may be contemplated.