Diagnostic value of transesophageal compared with transthoracic echocardiography in infective endocarditis

To compare the diagnostic value of transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography in infective endocarditis, paired transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms were obtained prospectively for 66 episodes of suspected endocarditis in 62 patients. Echocardiographic results were compared with the presence or absence of endocarditis determined by pathologic or nonechocardiographic data from the subsequent clinical course. All echocardiograms were interpreted by an observer told only that the studies were from patients in whom the diagnosis of endocarditis was suspected. The diagnosis of endocarditis was eventually made in 16 of the 66 episodes of suspected endocarditis (14 by pathologic and 2 by clinical criteria). In 7 of 16 transthoracic and 15 of 16 transesophageal echocardiograms, endocarditis was diagnosed at a probability level of "almost certain," giving a sensitivity of 44% and 94%, respectively (p less than 0.01). For the remaining episodes, 49 of 50 transthoracic and all transesophageal studies yielded normal results, giving a specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. This study suggests that transesophageal echocardiography is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and significantly more sensitive than transthoracic echocardiography. Although echocardiography cannot rule out endocarditis, the high diagnostic sensitivity of transesophageal echocardiography results in a low probability of the disease when the study yields negative results in a patient with an intermediate likelihood of the disease.     

Immunofluorescence studies of cardiac valves in infective endocarditis

Mitral and aortic valves removed at emergency cardiac surgery from a patient with infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus viridans were studied by immunofluorescence to ascertain the extent and pattern of various immune reactants within the large valvular vegetations. Heavy intravalvular deposits of IgG as well as bacterial antigen were present. Much more focal interstitial IgM and C3 deposits were noted within vegetations and valve substance. Diffuse endocardial and subendocardial deposition of C5b-C9 and C9 complement neoantigens was present. Direct staining of valvular tissues and vegetations for rheumatoid factor showed extensive interstitial tissue deposition. These findings emphasize the large amounts of immune reactants and constituents of immune complexes present in valves and vegetations of patients with infective endocarditis.     

Periannular complications in infective endocarditis involving prosthetic aortic valves

The periannular extension of infection in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious complication of infective endocarditis associated with high mortality. Periannular lesions in PVE occasionally rupture into adjacent cardiac chambers, leading to aortocavitary fistulae and intracardiac shunting. It is unknown whether the prognosis of patients with aortocavitary fistulae is worse than that of those with nonruptured abscesses. The aims of this study were to determine the distinctive clinical characteristics of patients with PVE and either aortocavitary fistulization or nonruptured abscesses. In a retrospective multicenter study of >872 PVE episodes, 150 patients (17%) with periannular complications in PVE in the aortic position were identified (29 with aortocavitary fistulization and 121 with nonruptured abscesses). Early-onset PVE was present in 73 patients (49%). Rates of heart failure (p = 0.09), ventricular septal defect (p <0.01), and third-degree atrioventricular block (p = 0.07) were higher in patients with fistulization. Surgical treatment was undertaken in 128 patients (83%). In-hospital mortality in the overall population was 39%. Multivariate analysis identified heart failure (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6 to 6.8), renal failure (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.2), and co-morbidity (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.1) as independent risk factors for death. Fistulous tract formation was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.7 to 3.7). The actuarial 5-year survival rate in surgical survivors was 100% in patients with fistulae and 78% in patients with nonruptured abscesses (log-rank p = 0.14). In conclusion, aortocavitary fistulous tract formation in PVE complicated with periannular complications is associated with higher rates of heart failure, ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular block than nonruptured abscesses. Despite the frequent complications, fistulous tract formation in the current era of infective endocarditis is not an independent risk factor for mortality.     

Periannular complications in infective endocarditis involving native aortic valves

The extension of infection in native valve infective endocarditis (IE) from valvular structures to the periannular tissue is incompletely understood. It is unknown, for example, whether the prognosis of patients with aortocavitary fistulae is worse than that of those with nonruptured abscesses. The aims of this study were to determine the distinct clinical characteristics of patients with aortocavitary fistulae and nonruptured abscesses in native valve IE and to evaluate the impact of fistulization on the outcomes of patients with native aortic valve IE complicated with periannular lesions. In a retrospective multicenter study of 2,055 native valve IE episodes, 201 patients (9.8%) with periannular complications in aortic valve IE were identified (46 with aortocavitary fistulization and 155 with nonruptured abscesses). Rates of heart failure (p = 0.07), ventricular septal defect (p <0.001), and third-degree atrioventricular block (p = 0.07) were higher in patients with fistulization. Surgical treatment was undertaken in 172 patients (86%), and in-hospital mortality in the overall population was 29%. Multivariate analysis identified age >60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3 to 5.2), renal failure (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 6.0), and moderate or severe heart failure (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.2) as independent risk factors for death. There was a trend toward increased in-hospital mortality in patients with aortocavitary fistulae (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.7 to 3.0). The actuarial 5-year survival rate in surgical survivors was 80% in patients with fistulae and 92% in patients with nonruptured abscesses (log-rank p = 0.6). In conclusion, aortocavitary fistulous tract formation in the setting of native valve IE is associated with higher rates of heart failure, ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular block than nonruptured abscess. Despite these higher rates of complications, fistulous tract formation in the current era of IE is not an independent risk factor for mortality.     

IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in heart valves from patients with infective endocarditis

The embedding of bacteria in the vegetation of infective endocarditis impedes the penetration of phagocytic cells. IL-8 has a stimulating effect on the immune system, particularly with respect to chemotaxis and activation of granulocytes. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is 1 of the major proinflammatory cytokines. IL-8 and TNF-alpha were visualized by means of immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded heart valve biopsies from 6 patients with infective endocarditis who required cardiac surgery during the active phase of the infection. In 5/6 patients there were signs of inflammation, and in these patients IL-8- and TNF-alpha-containing cells were visualized in the heart valve stromas or vegetations. The largest numbers of IL-8-containing cells, and the greatest amount of inflammation, were seen in patients with short preoperative treatment courses. No such relationships were seen with respect to TNF-alpha-containing cells. These observations may suggest that the occurrence of IL-8-containing cells in infected heart valves could be used as a marker of disease activity.     

Epidemiologic features of infective endocarditis in Taiwanese adults involving native valves

Little is known about the incidence and clinical outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) involving native valves in Asian countries. This nationwide study investigated epidemiologic features and in-hospital mortality associated with IE in adults (age > or =18 years) based on Taiwan's National Health Insurance database from 1997 through 2002. Of 7,240 enrolled patients with IE involving native valves, the mean age was 53 +/- 19 years and 70% were men. The mean annual crude incidence was 7.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. The incidence was significantly higher in men than in women (10.4 vs 4.6 per 100,000; p <0.001). The incidence of IE increased steadily with age, ranging from 3.8 per 100,000 persons in patients <30 years of age to 33 per 100,000 persons in patients > or =80 years of age (p <0.001). Staphylococcal (32%) and streptococcal species (61%) were the most common causative pathogens. The mean in-hospital mortality rate was 18%. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, older age (> or =50 years), diabetes mellitus, heart failure, neurologic complications, renal insufficiency, respiratory failure, shock, and Staphylococcus species as the causative microorganism were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, this Taiwanese study revealed a high incidence of IE in men and elderly subjects. The in-hospital mortality rate remained high. Patients with IE who also developed shock and respiratory failure were the most likely to have a poor outcome.     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of infective endocarditis of all four cardiac valves

Cross-sectional echocardiography in a 78-year-old woman with infective endocarditis demonstrated echogenic masses on all four cardiac valves. The echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy.     

二叶式主动脉瓣畸形合并感染性心内膜炎的临床及预后分析

目的:总结二叶式主动脉瓣畸形合并感染性心内膜炎的临床特点及治疗,明确影响主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎预后的因素。方法:将2001-01-2010-12期间我院收治的符合DUKE诊断标准的自体主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎患者98例,分为二叶式主动脉瓣畸形组和三叶式主动脉瓣畸形组,评价临床表现、实验室检查、超声心动图、瓣膜形态、手术治疗与死亡率的相关性。结果:31例(31.6%)二叶式主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎患者更年轻,易发生瓣周脓肿(35.5%)。二叶式主动脉瓣是瓣周脓肿的独立预测因素(OR=4.015,95%CI 1.307～12.335,P<0.05)。二叶式主动脉瓣畸形组与三叶式主动脉瓣畸形组的早期手术及院内死亡率均差异无统计学意义。严重心力衰竭(OR=8.955,95%CI1.811～44.687,P<0.01)及未控制的感染(OR=0.170,95%CI0.041～0.697,P<0.05)是主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎死亡的独立预测因素。瓣膜手术可以降低主动脉瓣(OR=0.222,95%CI0.006～0.822,P<0.05)及二叶式主动脉瓣(OR=0.320,95%CI0.090～1.140,P<0.05)感染性心内膜炎的死亡率。结论:二叶式主动脉瓣畸形是主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎常见的瓣膜异常。二叶式主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎的患者更年轻,易发生瓣周脓肿。手术治疗可降低二叶式主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎的死亡率。     

Histopathology of valves in infective endocarditis,diagnostic criteria and treatment considerations

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe disease. Pathogen isolation is fundamental so as to treat effectively and reduce morbidity and mortality. Blood and valve culture and histopathology (HP) are routinely employed for this purpose. Valve HP is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Objectives

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical criteria for IE (the modified Duke and the St Thomas’ minor modifications, STH) of blood and valve culture compared to valve HP, and to evaluate antibiotic treatment duration.

Methods

Prospective case series of patients, from 2006 to 2014 with surgically treated IE. Statistical analysis was done by the R software.

Results

There were 136 clinically definite episodes of IE in 133 patients. Mean age ± SD was 43 ± 15.6 years and IE was left sided in 81.6 %. HP was definite in 96 valves examined, which were used as gold standard. Sensitivity of blood culture was 61 % (CI 0.51, 0.71) and of valve culture 15 % (CI 0.07, 0.26). The modified Duke criteria were 65 % (CI 0.55, 0.75) sensitive and 33 % specific, while the STH’s sensitivity was 72 % (CI 0.61, 0.80) with similar specificity. In multivariate analysis and logistic regression, the only variable with statistical significance was duration of antibiotic therapy postoperatively.

Conclusions

Valve HP had high sensitivity and valve culture low sensitivity in the diagnosis of IE. The STH’s criteria were more sensitive than the modified Duke criteria. Valve HP should guide duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment.

     

感染性心内膜炎161例手术治疗及诊断依据探讨

目的:探讨感染性心内膜炎的临床诊断依据,为感染性心内膜炎手术治疗提供临床参考。方法:回顾分析北京安贞医院心外九病区近10年来(2007年1月至2016年12月)手术治疗感染性心内膜炎患者临床资料(基本情况、血常规、肝肾功能、血培养、心电图、超声心动图、手术情况),以改良Duke标准为诊断依据。结果:161例患者中,术前有反复发热病史126例,占78.3%;术前行血培养149例,阳性率20.1%;术前超声发现瓣膜赘生物130例,阳性率80.7%。依照改良Duke标准,术前确诊8例,疑似诊断106例,另有47例患者为手术中证实。结论:超声心动图是感染性心内膜炎的重要诊断手段,重复多次检查有助于提高诊断阳性率;加强对感染性心内膜炎的认识、充分详实的病史采集、体格检查、以及实验室数据将有助于临床诊断率的提高。     

超声心动图诊断感染性心内膜炎的临床价值

目的探讨超声心动图在感染性心内膜炎诊断中的临床价值。方法应用超声心动图观察心脏瓣膜赘生物的形态、大小、回声、分布及其瓣膜损害情况及追踪患者在上级医院的诊疗结果并进行比较。结果超声心动图能直接提供心脏瓣膜赘生物的附着部位及数目、大小、形态、活动情况及相应的血流动力学变化。结论超声心动图能对感染性心内膜炎心脏瓣膜赘生物进行定性诊断,对临床制定治疗方案及预后判断有重要意义。     

Emboli in infective endocarditis: the prognostic value of echocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vegetations visualized on two-dimensional echocardiography are an independent risk factor for the development of subsequent emboli in patients with infective endocarditis and to assess the timing of emboli relative to the initiation of antimicrobial therapy. DESIGN: Investigator-blinded, retrospective incidence cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with left-sided native valve infective endocarditis who had two-dimensional echocardiography within 72 hours of beginning antimicrobial therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The crude incidence rate of first embolic events in patients receiving antimicrobial therapy was 6.2 per 1000 patient-days (95% CI, 4.2 to 9.2). The rates in patients with and without vegetations were 7.1 and 4.9 per 1000 patient-days, respectively (incidence rate ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.6 to 3.3). The relation between vegetations and risk for emboli was microorganism-dependent: Stratified incidence rate ratios were 6.9 (95% CI, 1.1 to 42.5; P less than 0.05) and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.2 to 3.9) for viridans streptococcal and Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, respectively. The rate of first embolic events diminished over time (P less than 0.001), falling from 13 per 1000 patient-days during the first week of therapy to less than 1.2 per 1000 patient-days after completion of the second week of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the presence of vegetations on echocardiography was not associated with a significantly higher risk for embolus in patients with left-sided native valve infective endocarditis. The relative risk for embolic events associated with echocardiographically visualized vegetations may be microorganism-dependent, with a significantly increased risk seen only in patients with viridans streptococcal infection. The rate of embolic events declines with time after initiation of antimicrobial treatment.     

Preliminary experience with Silzone-coated St. Jude medical valves in acute infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The rate of recurrent postoperative endocarditis after valve replacement in early-stage acute infective endocarditis is extremely high. Metallic silver coating of the sewing ring may improve the short- and long-term outcome after valve implantation. This report details our experience with the St. Jude Medical Silzone prosthesis in early surgical treatment of acute infective endocarditis. METHODS: Ten patients (mean age 66.4 years) referred for native valve or prosthetic valve endocarditis were operated on between April 1998 and June 1999. The microorganisms responsible for the acute infection were Staphylococcus (n = 1), Streptococcus (n = 1) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1); blood cultures remained negative in two cases. The indication for surgical treatment was related to hemodynamic condition (n = 5), a major cerebral event (stroke; n = 1), annulus abscess (n = 1), and echocardiographic evidence of large cuspal vegetations (n = 3). All patients had received preoperative intravenous antibiotics (mean 7.8 days). Four mitral, five aortic valve replacements, and one double mitral-aortic valve replacement, were performed after extensive debridement of the infected and necrotic tissues. Mean duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment was 32.3 days. Postoperative follow up (mean 6 months; range: 2-14.2 months) was 100% complete, and included prospective repeated transthoracic echocardiography at one week, and one, six and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: One patient died early in the immediate postoperative period from pneumonia and major hypoxemia. All other patients are symptom-free, without evidence of recurrent infection and perivalvular leak. CONCLUSION: Although these early results with the St. Jude Medical Silzone prosthesis require confirmation by more extensive studies, they infer that silver coating of the sewing ring may dramatically improve management of patients with active endocarditis.     

Benefits of endocarditis prevention in patients with prosthetic heart valves

The beneficial effect of prophylaxis for IE was studied in 229 patients with prosthetic heart valves in whom 287 diagnostic or therapeutic interventions were performed. The prevention used was similar to that recommended by the American Heart Association. Prosthetic valve endocarditis was not observed in any of these patients. This result was compared with that of 304 patients with prosthetic heart valves, in whom without any prevention 390 similar interventions were performed during the same observation period. The incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis occurring within 14 days after the intervention was 1.5/100 interventions (n = 6). All patients had to be reoperated. One patient died perioperatively. Two more patients developed prosthetic valve endocarditis 8 and 13 weeks, respectively, after the initial intervention. This retrospective study documents the benefit of the prophylaxis for IE used.     

75例先天性心脏病感染性心内膜炎的临床分析

目的：探讨先天性心脏病(先心病)感染性心内膜炎(IE)的临床特点。方法：回顾性分析75例住院患者中各类先心病IE的并发率、临床特点、血培养、心内膜受累和治疗情况。结果：①先心病IE中主动脉瓣病变发病率最高(6．2％)；②手术证实累及多个瓣膜。病变多样；③尿检查改变、肝大和脾大的发生率及血培养阳性率(35．7％)较文献报道下降，可能与抗生素广泛应用和感染的主要致病微生物与过去不同有关；①手术治疗45例，治愈44例(97．8％)，死亡1例，内科治疗30例，治愈13例(43．3％)，因动脉栓塞或心功能恶化而出院14例，死亡3例。结论：适当的内科治疗与积极的外科治疗相结合对提高先心病IE存活率、降低病死率有重要意义。     

先天性心脏病合并感染性心内膜炎的个体化治疗

目的：探讨先天性心脏病（CHD）合并感染性心内膜炎（IE）的个体化治疗。方法：本组病例共73例,主要表现为发热、贫血、栓塞等;血培养及赘生物培养阳性17例（23.3%）,以草绿色链球菌居多,病原体菌种呈现多样化趋势。超声心动图检查阳性率83.6%（61例）。病灶分布以主动脉瓣病变（33例）,二尖瓣病变（21）例为多。所有患者均经外科手术清除感染病灶及赘生物,并相应纠治瓣膜病变和心脏畸形。其中择期手术54例（74.0%）,急诊手术19例（26.0%）。血培养阳性病例应用大剂量敏感广谱抗生素4～8周。结果：本组无手术死亡,均经手术及抗生素治疗后临床痊愈出院。术后随访心功能改善,仅1例1年后心内膜炎复发。结论：大剂量敏感广谱抗生素治疗与积极的相应外科治疗相结合的个体化处理是治疗先天性心脏病合并感染性心内膜炎的重要手段,对提高存活率、降低病死率有着重要的意义。