Imaging findings of the infective endocarditis with neurological complications

Abstract

Neurological complications are the most serious extracardiac complications of infective endocarditis. They can be manifested as ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, mycotic aneurysms, meningitis, cerebritis and abscesses. Avoidance of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents with early intravenous antibiotic administration is crucial in the management of this condition. MRI of the brain is an important tool for early diagnosis and guiding the treatment decision. The purpose of this article is to review the imaging appearances and the possible mechanisms of the intracranial findings in the patients with neurological complications of infective endocarditis.