PMID: 15334153Aug 31, 2004Paper

Echocardiographic predictors of embolic events in infective endocarditis

Kardiologia polska
Cezar MacarieVasile Candea

Abstract

Systemic embolisation occurs in 22% to 50% of patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Up to 65% of embolic events (EE) involve the central nervous system which increases the mortality rate. Several echocardiographic studies have demonstrated higher embolic rates with the increase of vegetation (VEG) dimensions and mobility. To define echocardiographic parameters which can help in identifying patients with a high risk of EE and to assess the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in predicting EE in patients with IE. 236 patients (58% male, mean age 47.8+/-6) diagnosed with IE according to Duke criteria were followed for 3 years or until cardiac surgery. Echocardiographic parameters measured on VEG included the maximum length, thickness, the narrowest diameter, neck and mobility. The rate of EE was 51.27% without any significant differences with respect to gender, age, fever, anaemia, VEG site or the presence of a significant regurgitation murmur. The univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between EE and IE caused by staphylococcus, IE of the right heart, and the length as well as mobility of VEG. The only independent predictors of EE were the maximum VEG length >15 mm and the increased mobility of VEG ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

CRISPR & Staphylococcus

CRISPR-Cas system enables the editing of genes to create or correct mutations. Staphylococci are associated with life-threatening infections in hospitals, as well as the community. Here is the latest research on how CRISPR-Cas system can be used for treatment of Staphylococcal infections.

Anemia

Anemia develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. Anemia of inflammation (AI, also called anemia of chronic disease) is a common, typically normocytic, normochromic anemia that is caused by an underlying inflammatory disease. Here is the latest research on anemia.