Conditions & Services / Endocarditis

What is Endocarditis?

Infection and/or inflammation of heart valve(s) may be due to bacteria (rarely fungus or virus) in the blood stream attaching to and damaging the heart valves; in other cases, the immune system may attack the valves (auto-immune).

What are the Symptoms of Endocarditis?

Signs and symptoms of endocarditis may include:

• Fever
• Murmur
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Muscle and/or joint pain
• Painful sores on your fingers/toes
• Red spots on your palms/soles
• Dark lines in the finger nails

How is Endocarditis Diagnosed?

• Testing for endocarditis may include:​
• Blood cultures
• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest X-ray
• CT and/or MRI scan

How is Endocarditis Treated?

Endocarditis treatment usually consists of intravenous antibiotics but in cases of significant bacterial build up, abscess, embolism and/or valve damage, surgery may be required to repair or replace the valve.