Infectious endocarditis

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Heart, front view

Infective endocarditis

Janeway lesion on the finger

Endocarditis - infectious

You will be admitted to the hospital so you can receive antibiotics through a vein. Long-term, high-dose antibiotic treatment is needed to get rid of the bacteria. Treatment is usually given for 4 - 6 weeks, depending on the specific type of bacteria. Blood tests will help your doctor choose the best antibiotic.

Surgery may be needed to replace damaged heart valves.

Early treatment of bacterial endocarditis generally has a good outcome. Heart valves may be damaged if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

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• Blood clots or emboli that travel to brain, kidneys, lungs, or abdomen
• Brain abscess
• Congestive heart failure
• Glomerulonephritis
• Jaundice
• Neurological changes
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats, including atrial fibrillation
• Severe valve damage
• Stroke

Call your health care provider if you note the following symptoms during or after treatment:

• Weight loss without change in diet
• Blood in urine
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Numbness or weakness of muscles
• Fever

Review Date: 05/07/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, MD, Infectious Disease, Maryland Family Care, Lutherville, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).