Infectious endocarditis involves the heart valves and is most
commonly found in people who have underlying heart disease. Sources
of the infection may be transient bacteremia, which is common
during dental, upper respiratory, urologic, and lower
gastrointestinal diagnostic and surgical procedures. The infection
can cause growths on the heart valves, the lining of the heart, or
the lining of the blood vessels. These growths may be dislodged and
send clots to the brain, lungs, kidneys, or spleen.
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)
