Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a devastating disease that affects the heart¿s inner lining, typically due to bacterial infections. The infection harms the valves, causing them to leak, and creates clots that move to other organs, including the brain. Patients with congenital heart disease and prosthetic valves and those who use intravenous drugs are at considerable risk. Surgical procedures and dental extraction may lead to endocarditis in vulnerable patients. The management of endocarditis involves a multidisciplinary team that includes a cardiologist and infectious disease specialists with competence in echocardiography and other imaging as well as thoracic surgery. This book explores diverse aspects of infective endocarditis and discusses recent advances in its diagnosis and treatment.