Prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Prosthetic valve endocarditis occurs in 2-4% of patients with prosthetic valves and carries a mortality of around 50%. A low index of suspicion should enable early diagnosis. The empirical use of antibiotics in patients with a prosthetic valve who develop an unexplained fever is inappropriate. Careful liaison between cardiologist, microbiologist and cardiac surgeon is essential for optimal management.
Counsell
C E
CE
Cardiac Department, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Hospital, London.
de Belder
M A
MA
Oldershaw
P J
PJ
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications