Infective Endocarditis Flashcards
(103 cards)
What is infective endocarditis?
A very serious microbial endocardial infection with high mortality rates
Requires a high degree of clinical suspicion for early diagnosis.
Who is at risk for infective endocarditis?
All children of any age with CHD or Rheumatic conditions
The risk is highest with a pressure gradient, small sized lesions, and less fibrosis.
What two factors are needed for endocarditis to occur?
- Bacteremia
- Abnormal heart
What is the most common organism causing infective endocarditis?
Streptococcus viridans
Accounts for 50% of cases.
What is the second most common organism associated with infective endocarditis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Can infect even a normal heart.
What organisms belong to the Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CONS) group?
Coagulase Negative Staph
May follow central line insertion.
Which fungal organism is associated with infective endocarditis in immunosuppressed patients?
Candida albicans
What are the HACEK organisms?
- Haemophilus
- Actinobacillus
- Cardiobacterium
- Eikenella
- Kingella
Associated with infective endocarditis in neonates.
What procedures are risk factors for developing infective endocarditis?
- Dental procedures
- Tonsillectomy
- Cardiac surgery (open-heart surgery)
- Genitourinary surgery
- Central venous catheter insertion
What congenital heart diseases are associated with infective endocarditis?
- VSD
- PDA
- TGA
- F4
ASD secundum is not included.
What rheumatic valvular diseases are associated with infective endocarditis?
- Mitral regurgitation
- Aortic regurgitation
What factors increase the risk of infective endocarditis related to previous medical history?
- Prosthetic valve
- Previous infective endocarditis
- Surgical shunts
- Residual defect
What causes damage to the endothelium in the pathophysiology of certain cardiac conditions?
Turbulence of blood flow across stenotic or incompetent valves damages the endothelium
This damage can lead to the formation of thrombi.
What forms when circulating bacteria adhere and grow in thrombi?
Vegetations
These vegetations can lead to local valve destruction and embolization.
What are the potential embolic phenomena associated with vegetations?
Septic embolic phenomena:
* Osteomyelitis
* Meningitis
* Glomerulonephritis
These complications can arise from the embolization of vegetations.
What immunological response occurs in the pathophysiology discussed?
Deposition of immune complexes leading to vasculitis and rash
This response can contribute to the clinical manifestations.
In which patients should prolonged fever (> 2 weeks) be suspected as a sign of underlying cardiac issues?
Any cardiac patient with unexplained prolonged fever
This symptom is a key indicator in the clinical picture.
What are some specific skin manifestations associated with this condition?
Petechial rash, Janeway lesions, Osler’s nodules
Janeway lesions are painless with a necrotic center, while Osler’s nodules are small and painful.
What is a Janeway lesion?
Painless hemorrhagic lesion with necrotic center on the palms
Janeway lesions are associated with infective endocarditis.
What is the characteristic of a Roth spot?
Retinal hemorrhage with clear center
Roth spots can indicate embolic events affecting the eyes.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism as a result of embolic phenomena?
Cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis & chest pain
These symptoms arise from obstruction in the pulmonary circulation.
What can be a consequence of renal embolism?
Hematuria
This occurs due to blockage of renal blood flow by emboli.
What are common neurological complications associated with embolic manifestations?
Stroke (hemiplegia, convulsions) or Intracranial hemorrhage
These complications arise from cerebral embolization.
What might indicate peripheral vessel involvement in embolic phenomena?
Absent peripheral pulsations (Dorsalis pedis or Radial pulse)
This can lead to conditions such as digital gangrene.