INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS: DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart's internal structures, often associated with severe complications and high morbidity and mortality rates. This article reviews critical aspects of IE, including its etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in disease management. The infection is predominantly bacterial, with agents such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans, and can manifest in patients with underlying heart conditions or intravenous drug users. Early diagnosis is essential and is based on the Duke criteria, which include clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings. Treatment involves prolonged antibiotic use and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Recently, guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, involving different specialties to optimize clinical outcomes. Current research also explores the relationship between IE and other conditions, such as colorectal neoplasms, highlighting the complexity of management. The proposed review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of infective endocarditis and its implications in patient care.