Endocarditis in intravenous drug abusers.
IE due to parenteral drug use is an ever-increasing problem for physicians working in the ED. IE may present with a multitude of signs and symptoms of variable severity. Patients may complain of only vague symptoms consistent with a viral syndrome, or they may present with a neurologic or cardiovascular catastrophe. ED physicians must have a high degree of suspicion for IE whenever they evaluate a patient who could possibly be abusing drugs.
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Roberts
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Slovis
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D003042:Cocaine; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*
D003042:Cocaine