Infective Endocarditis

Key points

• Strongest risk factor: previous endocarditis. Groups: previously normal valves (50%, acute) · rheumatic valve disease (30%) · prosthetic valves · congenital defects · IVDUs (tricuspid).
• Staphylococcus aureus is now the most common cause (acute presentations, IVDUs).
• Coagulase-negative staphylococci (S. epidermidis): early prosthetic-valve endocarditis (< 2 months, perioperative contamination).
• Streptococcus viridans ~20% of cases; Streptococcus bovis endocarditis is associated with colorectal cancer.

Decision points in this pathway

• Prosthetic valve < 2 months ago?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.