Alternate Names : Valve infection
Definition
Endocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
See also:
- Culture-negative endocarditis
- Infective endocarditis
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Endocarditis can involve the heart muscle, heart valves, or lining of the heart. Most people who develop endocarditis have heart disease of the valves.
Risk factors for developing endocarditis include:
- Injection drug use
- Permanent central venous access lines
- Prior valve surgery
- Recent dental surgery
- Weakened valves
Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. However, it can also be caused by fungi. In some cases, no cause can be identified.
Pictures & Images
Heart, section through the middle
The interior of the heart is composed of valves, chambers, and associated vessels.
Heart, front view
The external structures of the heart include the ventricles, atria, arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins carry blood into the heart. The vessels colored blue indicate the transport of blood with relatively low content of oxygen and high content of carbon dioxide. The vessels colored red indicate the transport of blood with relatively high content of oxygen and low content of carbon dioxide.
Janeway lesion – close-up
Janeway lesions are seen in people with acute bacterial endocarditis. They appear as flat, painless, red to bluish-red spots on the palms and soles.
Janeway lesion on the finger
Janeway lesions are seen in people with acute bacterial endocarditis. They appear as flat, painless, red to bluish-red spots on the palms and soles.
Heart valves
The valves of the heart open and close to control the flow of blood entering or leaving the heart.
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Endocarditis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Endocarditis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Endocarditis : Treatment
Review Date : 5/15/2009
Reviewed By : Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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