Echocardiography in infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic demonstration of valvular infection now ranks with positive blood cultures as one of the two major clinical criteria for diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE), according to new, more accurate guidelines for diagnosis. Because early detection of IE and its complications is essential for determining whether to pursue medical therapy or to intervene surgically, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an essential part of the initial examination of patients with suspected IE. METHODS: Using MEDLINE, we searched and reviewed all articles with the key words infective endocarditis and transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: With its superior imaging, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has proven to be more sensitive than TTE for the diagnosis of IE as well as in the detection of IE-associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: While superior in predicting which patients with IE have perivalvular abscess or prosthetic valve dysfunction and which are most susceptible to systemic embolism, TEE is more invasive and must be used selectively.     

超声心动图诊断感染性心内膜炎的临床价值

目的 评价超声心动图在感染性心内膜炎(infective endocarditis，IE)诊断中的价值。方法 分析总结38例IE患者的临床和超声心动图资料。结果 IE多发生于原有器质性心脏病基础上，以风心病和先心病为主。赘生物有附着位置、大小、形态及随病程变化多种超声特点。超声心动图可检出瓣膜脱垂、腱索断裂和瓣周脓肿等心脏内并发症。结论 超声能为临床提供IE患者的基础心脏病因、诊断、鉴别诊断、指导治疗和判断预后等具有重要价值的信息。     

经胸超声心动图对感染性心内膜炎严重并发症的诊断价值和术后疗效评价

目的探讨经胸超声心动图在感染性心内膜炎严重并发症诊断及术后疗效评价中的应用价值。方法分析512例感染性心内膜炎中32例严重并发症,包括脓肿、膨出瘤、假性动脉瘤、假性室壁瘤或房壁瘤以及窦道或心腔间交通和赘生物脱落栓塞的超声心动图表现及临床特征,并与手术结果对照;赘生物脱落栓塞3例同时与多排CT对照。结果 32例中31例与手术结果完全相符,经胸超声诊断符合率为96.9%。1例误诊(1/32),手术证实为主动脉窦瘤破裂入左心室。超声诊断栓塞3例,均经多排CT检查证实。结论经胸超声心动图能及时、快速、准确的诊断感染性心内膜炎的严重并发症,指导临床治疗,改善预后,并在术后疗效随访中有重要价值。     

Pseudoaneurysm of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) is one of the rare complications of infective endocarditis. Echocardiography plays an important role in the diagnosis of this condition. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is generally superior to the transthoracic approach in the evaluation of the complications resulting from infective endocarditis. In this report, we discuss a case of infective endocarditis complicated by the development of a pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF. The anatomic relationship of structures contiguous to the MAIVF and the salient echocardiographic findings of this clinical condition are presented. At surgery the diagnosis was confirmed and appropriate treatment instituted. The postoperative course was uncomplicated.     

超声心动图诊断感染性心内膜炎的意义

目的　探讨感染性心内膜炎 (IE)患者的超声心动图的特征性改变及诊断意义。方法　 17例IE患者进行了经胸超声心动图检查 ,探测赘生物的位置 ,大小 ,活动度及瓣膜功能。结果　男 11例 ,女 6例。平均年龄 3 4岁 (年龄范围 2～76岁 )。超声心动图检查发现 16例自身瓣膜和 1例人工瓣膜有赘生物形成 ,其中 7个二尖瓣 ,9个主动脉瓣和 1个三尖瓣上有赘生物。平均赘生物大小 0 .8cm (范围 0 .3～ 1.6cm)。血培养葡萄球菌 4例 ,链球菌 4例 ,类酵母菌 1例 ,血培养阳性率 5 3 %。住院期间 4例死亡 (2 3 % ) ,11例充血性心衰 (64 % ) ,6例体循环栓塞 (3 5 % ) ,4例接受了瓣膜置换术 (2 3 % )。结论　超声心动图检测IE声像图观察比较直观 ,尤其在血培养阴性的IE患者尤为有用。超声心动图能探测到瓣膜的赘生物 ,提示严重心衰 ,对于需要早期外科手术的IE患者提供重要依据     

Echocardiographic detection of aortic valve ring abscesses

Valve ring abscess complication of infective endocarditis increases the expected morbidity and mortality rates of patients, but is seldom recognized by available noninvasive techniques. In our study, two-dimensional echocardiography successfully detected valve ring abscesses in eight patients with infective endocarditis affecting aortic valve prosthesis. Echocardiography showed the perivalvular abscess as an echo-free space in all patients. Prosthetic vegetations were seen in the only patient who had a biological prosthesis and excessive prosthetic rocking was observed in cases with severe aortic regurgitation. In two patients, the first echocardiographic examination showed an echo-free space without evident clinical signs of endocarditis or significant valve regurgitation. Severe aortic insufficiency and congestive heart failure followed the enlargement of the echo-free space. Valve replacement was required in all but one patient. The echocardiographic findings were confirmed at surgery. In one patient, the extension of the abscess to the interventricular septum was not detected by the echocardiography.     

THE ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS

The echocardiographic appearance in suspected endocarditis must always be interpreted in the context of the clinical findings. Thus although echocardiography may contribute to the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis, it should rarely be used as a screening test. It is highly sensitive for the detection of complications such as abscesses or valvular regurgitation and can estimate their severity. Although transthoracic imaging will allow a complete study in many cases, the transoesophageal approach is superior for the detection of abscesses and the assessment of prosthetic mitral valves. Patients with large vegetations, particularly on the mitral valve, are at increased risk of embolism but there is no convincing evidence to support prophylactic surgery in these cases.     

The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis.

The echocardiographic appearance in suspected endocarditis must always be interpreted in the context of the clinical findings. Thus although echocardiography may contribute to the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis, it should rarely be used as a screening test. It is highly sensitive for the detection of complications such as abscesses or valvular regurgitation and can estimate their severity. Although transthoracic imaging will allow a complete study in many cases, the transoesophageal approach is superior for the detection of abscesses and the assessment of prosthetic mitral valves. Patients with large vegetations, particularly on the mitral valve, are at increased risk of embolism but there is no convincing evidence to support prophylactic surgery in these cases.     

感染性心内膜炎的超声诊断及临床价值

目的：探讨超声诊断感染性心内膜炎的临床价值。方法：总结11例经手术证实的感染性心内膜炎术前超声心动图资料，并与术中资料进行对比。结果：超声心动图对赘生物的大小、位置及数量的判断与术中基本一致，且超声心动图还可发现心脏有无基础病变及感染性心内膜炎导致的血流动力学异常。结论：超声心动图对感染性心内膜炎赘生物能进行准确定位，并确定其数目、大小及伴随的心脏病情况，为临床诊断及治疗提供可靠信息。     

经胸与经食管超声心动图对感染性心内膜炎的诊断价值比较

  目的  比较经胸超声心动图(transthoracic echocardiography, TTE)和经食管超声心动图(transesophageal echocardiography, TEE)诊断感染性心内膜炎(infective endocarditis, IE)的准确性。  方法  回顾性分析2003年1月至2011年12月北京协和医院诊断的95例IE患者的临床及超声心动图特点, 比较TTE和TEE对赘生物和IE相关并发症的检出率, 并以TEE作为诊断IE的标准来评价TTE诊断的准确性。  结果  TEE对赘生物的阳性检出率显著高于TTE(81.1%比52.6%, P < 0.001);若以TEE阳性作为诊断IE的标准, 则TTE检出赘生物的敏感性为64.9%, 特异性为94.4%;TEE对IE瓣周并发症诊断的敏感性也显著高于TTE(P < 0.05)。  结论  TTE对赘生物检出的阳性率较低; TEE不仅在检出赘生物方面较TTE更敏感, 对IE瓣周并发症诊断的敏感性也更高。     

Appropriate use of echocardiography in managing Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is increasing, both in the community and in healthcare settings. Accurate and timely diagnosis of underlying infective endocarditis (IE) is critical for optimal management of SAB cases as it has significant management and prognostic implications. Reported prevalence of IE in patients with SAB varies depending on the study population, and ranges from 10 to 30%. As clinical presentation of IE can be nonspecific, echocardiography is usually recommended in SAB cases to 'rule out' IE. Due to its poor sensitivity (<50%), especially for diagnosing prosthetic valve IE, transthoracic echocardiography is considered inadequate in this setting and clinicians have to rely on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to confirm or exclude endocarditis in SAB cases. Although some experts recommend TEE in all patients presenting with SAB, it is believed that the use of TEE could be guided by individual patient risk factors, mode of acquisition of SAB and clinical presentation. In this article, published data regarding the use of TEE in the SAB population are reviewed and a simplified algorithm to guide use of TEE in SAB cases is proposed.     

经胸超声心动图诊断机械瓣膜功能障碍

目的 观察经胸超声心动图诊断机械瓣膜功能障碍的价值。方法 回顾性分析60例接受二次手术治疗的机械瓣膜功能障碍患者，观察本次术前经胸超声心动图、手术、术后病理及随访资料，分析超声的诊断及评估效能。结果 超声心动图检查共于60例患者中检出67枚机械瓣膜功能障碍，包括二尖瓣23枚、主动脉瓣43枚及三尖瓣1枚；主要表现为瓣周漏、瓣膜狭窄及关闭不全、血栓、瓣环脱位、感染性心内膜炎(IE)及窦部夹层等。手术及病理结果显示，60例67枚机械瓣膜功能障碍分布与超声检查所见一致，表现为瓣周漏16枚、瓣周纤维组织增生50枚、血栓19枚、瓣环脱位5枚、IE 12枚、退行性变6枚。随访期间59例未见明显人工瓣膜功能障碍；1例于二次术后第9年出现瓣周漏，经手术封堵后情况良好。结论 经胸超声心动图对于诊断机械瓣膜功能障碍具有一定价值，有助于判断是否需要进行再次手术治疗。     

二尖瓣脱垂与感染性心内膜炎38例患者的临床分析

目的分析二尖瓣脱垂患者中感染性心内膜炎的临床和超声心动图特点。方法本院1988年1月至2006年12月住院原发性二尖瓣脱垂(MVP)并发感染性心内膜炎(IE)患者共38例,回顾分析其临床资料。结果MVP并发IE占同期IE发病总数的15.0%,均有发热、心尖部3～4级收缩期杂音。20例(52.6%)有Osler结或肢端皮下出血,15例(39.5%)有大动脉栓塞表现。50%有白细胞增高,平均12.06×109/L;95.7%的病例红细胞沉降率加快,平均48.2 mm/h。11例(28.9%)有不同程度贫血。血培养阳性者20例(52.6%),多为链球菌(80.0%)。二尖瓣前叶脱垂者占78.9%,后叶脱垂者占39.5%,前后叶均脱垂者占18.4%,发现二尖瓣前叶有赘生物者占71.1%,后叶有赘生物者占26.3%;无赘生物者5例,占13.2%,前后叶均有赘生物者5例,占13.2%。1例因脑疝导致死亡。结论MVP是IE的常见病因,其临床特点为起病隐匿,体循环栓塞等并发症的发生率较高。超声心动图检查对于诊断具有重要价值,经食管超声心动图检查对于发现瓣膜赘生物有较高敏感性。     

Appropriate use of echocardiography in managing Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is increasing, both in the community and in healthcare settings. Accurate and timely diagnosis of underlying infective endocarditis (IE) is critical for optimal management of SAB cases as it has significant management and prognostic implications. Reported prevalence of IE in patients with SAB varies depending on the study population, and ranges from 10 to 30%. As clinical presentation of IE can be nonspecific, echocardiography is usually recommended in SAB cases to ‘rule out’ IE. Due to its poor sensitivity (<50%), especially for diagnosing prosthetic valve IE, transthoracic echocardiography is considered inadequate in this setting and clinicians have to rely on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to confirm or exclude endocarditis in SAB cases. Although some experts recommend TEE in all patients presenting with SAB, it is believed that the use of TEE could be guided by individual patient risk factors, mode of acquisition of SAB and clinical presentation. In this article, published data regarding the use of TEE in the SAB population are reviewed and a simplified algorithm to guide use of TEE in SAB cases is proposed.     

术中经食管超声在心脏瓣膜置换术后异常情况诊疗中的应用

目的评价术中经食管超声心动图(IOTEE)在心脏瓣膜置换术后异常情况诊疗中的作用。方法回顾性分析45例心脏瓣膜置换术后发生异常情况患者,对IOTEE在诊断及治疗心脏瓣膜置换术后异常情况中的作用进行评估及分析。结果 45例心脏瓣膜置换术后发生异常并发症的患者中,IOTEE检出瓣周漏23例(23/45,51.11%),卡瓣4例(4/45,8.89%),室壁运动异常6例(6/45,13.33%),感染性心内膜炎6例(6/45,13.33%),人工瓣膜狭窄4例(4/45,8.89%),升主动脉与胸骨粘连2例(2/45,4.44%),均经手术证实。结论 IOTEE可检出心脏瓣膜置换术后瓣周漏、人工瓣膜卡瓣、感染性心内膜炎等异常情况,帮助术者正确判断并及时处理。     

超声诊断二叶主动脉瓣合并感染性心内膜炎

目的 观察经胸超声心动图（TTE）和三维经食管超声心动图（3D-TEE）诊断二叶主动脉瓣（BAV）合并感染性心内膜炎（IE）的价值。方法 回顾性分析53例BAV合并IE患者的超声图像，超声表现包括赘生物、瓣膜穿孔、脓肿和瘘道。以外科手术所见作为金标准，评估TTE和3D-TEE的超声特征及其诊断价值。结果 3D-TEE检出赘生物、瓣膜穿孔、脓肿和瘘道的敏感度（100% vs.90.20%，96.87% vs.90.62%，92.86% vs.67.86%，94.12% vs.70.59%）和阳性预测值均高于TTE（100% vs.95.83%，100% vs.93.55%，96.30% vs.86.36%，100% vs.85.71%，P均<0.05）。结论 超声心动图对于BAV合并IE的总体检出率高。3D-TEE的可视性和空间分辨率比TTE更好，诊断BAV合并IE敏感度和阳性预测值更高。     

Results of observation of infective endocarditis patients during 1965-2005

AIM: To clarify the trends in infective endocarditis by our experience for 40 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the last 40 years (1965-2005) we observed 620 patients with infective endocarditis (IE). There were 615 patients with subacute IE (99.2%) and only 5 patients with acute IE (0.8%). There were 402 males (66.8%) and 218 females (35.2%). The age was 16-84 years (mean age 53 +/- 17). We studied the finding of hemoculture, echocardiography, immunological investigations, the levels of C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Streptococcal endocarditis runs a standard course, but more often we encountered staphylococcal, enterococcal endocarditis with a severe course. Predisposing cardiac disorders in 264 IE patients were rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, mitral prolapse, involutive valve disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, prosthetic valve. CONCLUSION: Conventional and unconventional IE cases, recurrent IE, current criteria of IE are described.     

超声心动图评价感染性心内膜炎累及二尖瓣-主动脉瓣纤维连结

目的:二尖瓣-主动脉瓣纤维连结(Mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa,MAIVF)受累是感染性心内膜炎的一种少见并发症,本文回顾性总结分析了其超声特点及临床特征。方法:对18例超声心动图诊断感染性心内膜炎MAIVF受累的病例图像回顾性分析,总结其临床特征及超声特点。结果:①MAIVF受累可能好发于伴随先天性主动脉瓣二叶式畸形及结缔组织病的感染性心内膜炎;②MAIVF受累的患者主动脉瓣病变较二尖瓣更为严重;③MAIVF受累可以表现为MAIVF部位的增厚,囊腔形成或局部团块样组织,并可能导致心腔间的分流。结论:超声心动图是感染性心内膜炎MAIVF受累的首选筛查方法,可以评价脓肿大小、形态、位置、周围血流信号及其他感染性心内膜炎并发症,为制定手术方案提供完整的信息。     

超声心动图诊断感染性心内膜炎赘生物的价值

目的探讨感染性心内膜炎赘生物的超声心动图特点及诊断价值。方法应用超声心动图观察心脏赘生物的形态、大小、回声、分布及其瓣膜损害情况,对30例感染性心内膜炎心脏赘生物进行诊断。结果赘生物主要附着主动脉瓣10例,其次是二尖瓣8例,同时累及主动脉瓣和二尖瓣5例,三尖瓣1例,肺动脉瓣2例,动脉导管未闭主肺动脉2例,室间隔缺损右室面2例。赘生物长径约3～27mm,呈低回声至强回声。超声心动图对心脏赘生物的位置、大小、形态及数量的判断与手术所见基本相符,超声心动图还能对心脏基础病变及继发心血管血流动力学改变进行诊断。结论超声心动图对感染性心内膜炎赘生物能进行准确定位,并能确定其大小、形态、数目及评估心脏情况,对治疗决策及预后判断有重要的意义。     

感染性心内膜炎38例临床分析

目的 探讨感染性心内膜炎（IE）的临床特点,诊断,治疗方法及转归.方法 回顾分析近17年38例感染性心内膜炎患者的临床特征及诊断.结果 ①38例患者中36例为自体心脏瓣膜心内膜炎,2例为人工瓣膜心内膜炎.36例自体瓣膜心内膜炎中,基础心脏病占72.22%（26/36）,其中风湿性心脏病占36.11%（13/36）,先天性心脏病占22.22%（8/36）,原发性二尖瓣脱垂占8.33%（3/36）,高血压性心脏病占2.78%（1/36）.心肌病占2.78%（1/36）.②38例患者临床表现包括发热100%（38/38）,寒颤57.89%（22/38）.贫血55.26%（21/38）.脾肿大50%（19/38）.脏器栓寒15.79%（6/38）.③血培养阳性率为31.58%（12/38）.其中8例为链球菌属,4例为葡萄球菌属.④38例患者中30例（78.94%）患者经单纯抗感染治疗后治愈,4例（11.1l%）患者经手术联合药物抗感染治疗后治愈,有4例（11.11%）合并心衰而死亡.⑤38例感染性心内膜炎患者中,无基础心脏病患者10例,有基础心脏病患者26例.10例无基础心脏病患者中有明确感染途径的占6例,26例有基础心脏病患者中有明确感染途径的占7例,两者感染途径阳性率比较差异有统计学意义（P=0.006）.结论 感染性心内膜炎最常见的基础心脏病是风湿性瓣膜病、先天性心脏病、二尖瓣脱垂;对于长期不明原因发热,应考虑有感染性心内膜炎的可能,有明确感染途径而长期发热者应高度怀疑感染性心内膜炎.超声心动图有助于感染性心内膜炎的诊断,血培养阳性率并不高.合并心力哀竭者则预后不良.