Endocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).

See also:

• Culture-negative endocarditis
• Infective endocarditis

Valve infection

Endocarditis can involve the heart muscle, heart valves, or lining of the heart. Most people who develop endocarditis have have some abnormality of a heart valve.

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.

Images

Janeway lesion - close-up

Heart, front view

Janeway lesion on the finger

Next Section

Endocarditis Symptoms

Review Date: 04/27/2010
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)