[Neurological complications in infectious endocarditis]

Despite considerable progress in both diagnostic studies and therapeutic management serious complications of infectious endocarditis have become rather more common. Next to intracardiac complications arterial embolization to the central nervous system is the second most common life-threatening event, which might lead to infarction, hemorrhage, mycotic aneurysm and/or metastatic infection with a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms and an overall very poor prognosis. The most effective prevention of neurological complications is the early diagnosis of infectious endocarditis with isolation of the infecting agent and adequate antimicrobial chemotherapy in combination with well-timed cardiosurgical measures. Computed tomography and cerebral angiography is mandatory in any patient with neurological symptoms to check the need for a neurosurgical intervention as well as in patients assigned for anticoagulation for cardiac reasons.