Diagnosis Of Infective Endocarditis Research Articles

Initiation of warfarin is associated with decreased mortality in patients with infective endocarditis: a population based cohort study

Abstract Background The use of warfarin as an anticoagulant to prevent thromboembolism in setting of infective endocarditis (IE) remains controversial due to increased bleeding risks. Purpose To study the risks of stroke, mortality and bleeding in warfarin users compared with non-use. Methods Patients aged 18 or older and diagnosed with IE in our city between January 1st 1997 and August 31st 2020 were included. Patients with use of any anticoagulant 30 days before IE diagnosis were excluded. Patients initiated on warfarin within 14 days of IE diagnosis and patients without warfarin use were matched using propensity scores (1:1 ratio). The study outcomes were ischemic stroke, all-cause mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for the predictors of study outcomes at the end of 90-day follow up. Results The matched cohort consisted of 675 warfarin users (57.0% male, age 59±16 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 1.42±1.72) and 675 warfarin non-users (53.5% male, age 61±19 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 1.58±1.76). Warfarin use was not associated with ischemic stroke risk (Hazard ratio: 1.04 [95% CI, 0.70-1.53]), but was associated with a 50% decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.50 [0.39-0.65]). In terms of bleeding risk, intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 36 (5.3%) warfarin users and in 29 (4.3%) patients warfarin non-users, and gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 27 (4.0%) warfarin users and in 26 (3.9%) warfarin non-users. Conclusions Warfarin use is associated with decreased risks of mortality but similar risks of ischemic stroke compared with non-use of warfarin in patients with IE.Kaplein Meier curves of study outcomes

18F-FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool for cardiac implantable electronic device infections

Abstract Background The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) remains a clinical challenge. The modified Duke criteria have suboptimal diagnostic accuracy in this population, highlighting the need for alternative diagnostic tools. Purpose This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in suspected CIED infection. Methods From May 2016 to January 2022, 87 patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT for suspected IE were included in the study. The final diagnosis of IE was established by consulting the endocarditis team's diagnosis at the time of hospital discharge or death, based on clinical, microbiological, and imaging information as well as clinical response. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of CIED infection were estimated. Results Of the 87 patients, 10 had suspected CIED infection, with a median age of 75 years. Pacemaker was the most common device found (65%). Fever was present in 80% of patients, and laboratory results showed a mean C-reactive protein of 15.9 mg/dL and mean leucocyte count of 10.5 G/L. According to the Duke Criteria, 60% were classified as "possible diagnosis," 20% with "definitive diagnosis," and 20% as "rejected diagnosis." Of the suspected CIED infection patients, compatible findings in 18F-FDG PET/CT were observed in 7 patients. The calculated sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 78%, and specificity was 100%. Conclusion Our study suggests that 18F-FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for patients with suspected CIED infections, providing high sensitivity and specificity. The use of this technique could aid in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and guide treatment decisions, particularly in cases where the modified Duke criteria have limited diagnostic accuracy.

Characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of patients managed for left-sided infective endocarditis: a prospective study in a high-volume center

Abstract Background Although medical and surgical management of infective endocarditis (IE) have improved in the recent decades, the associated mortality remains high. Available prospective data are scarce, and further knowledge from prospective cohorts could help improving the prognosis of patients with IE. Objective To describe the characteristics and outcomes of left-sided IE and to determine the risk factors associated to in-hospital mortality in a high-volume center. Methods From 15 September 2020 to 15 February 2023, all patients with left-sided IE managed in a tertiary center of cardiology were included in this prospective, observational study. The diagnosis of IE was made according to current guidelines and management was collegially discussed by the endocarditis team. Determinants of in-hospital death were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model including any covariate associated in univariate analysis (p<0.1). Results A total of 185 patients were included during the study period. Median age was 68 [56 – 76] years, 141 (76%) patients were males, and 75 (41%) cases involved a prosthetic valve. Aortic valve, mitral valve and involvement of both valves were observed in 111 (60%), 48 (26%) and 26 (14%) patients, respectively. Multimodal cardiac imaging, including cardiac computed tomography (CT) and/or PET-FDG, was used in 64 (35%) of all cases, and 49/75 (65%) patients with valvular prosthesis. Severe valvular regurgitation was identified in 56 (30%) patients, root abscess and/or false aneurysms in 57 (31%) patients. A pathogen agent was identified in 169 (91%) patients, and the most frequent germs were Staphylococcus (30%), Streptococcus (30%) and Enterococcus (17%). A severe initial presentation requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission was observed in 42 (23%) patients. Cardiac surgery was performed in 102 (55%) cases, and 41 (22%) patients required an emergent surgery. A total of 37 (20%) patients died during the initial in-hospital phase, mostly from cardiac or neurovascular causes. In a multivariate analysis, hypertension (Odd ratio (OR) = 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4 – 10), bi-valvular endocarditis (OR = 3.1; 95%CI: 1.0 – 9.5), unidentified pathogen (OR = 4.3; 95%CI: 1.7 – 15) and chronic alcoholic abuse (OR = 16.4; 95%CI: 3.7 – 87.9) were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality (Table). Conclusion Severe initial presentation requiring an ICU admission and/or urgent cardiac surgery was common among patients with left-sided IE. Chronic alcoholic abuse and unidentified pathogen appear as major determinants of in-hospital mortality.Table

Regional differences in infective endocarditis epidemiology and outcomes in Spain. A population-based study

Abstract Introduction Population-based studies of infective endocarditis (IE) provide nationwide representative information of the disease, with a lower risk of selection and referral bias. Purpose Our aim was to describe the contemporary epidemiological profile of IE in Spain, and to evaluate regional variations in the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of IE in the different Spanish regions (autonomous communities, AC). Methods Retrospective population-based study to analyse the incidence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcomes of all patients discharged with a diagnosis of IE from hospitals included in the Spanish National Health System, from January 2016 to December 2019. Differences in the IE profile among the 17 Spanish AC were also evaluated. Results A total of 9008 episodes were identified during the study period. Mean age was 69.5 (14.6) years, and 66.1% of the patients were male. 52.6% of episodes were treated at referral centers. Direct standardized incidence of IE in the study period was 5.77 (95% CI: 5.12-6.41) cases per 100000 person-years. 26.8% of episodes were prosthetic valve carriers, 36.8% had some kind of valve heart disease, and 10.6% had a cardiac implantable electronic device. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were staphylococci (33.3%; 19.0% Staphylococcus aureus and 14.3% coagulase-negative staphylococci), followed by gram-negative (21.0%) and streptococci (20.8%). Culture-negative IE accounted for 20.7% of episodes. 38.6% of patients developed heart failure during hospitalization, and 27.5% had acute renal failure. Cardiac surgery was performed in 19.3% of episodes in the total cohort, and in 33.4% of episodes treated in high-volume referral centres. In-hospital mortality was 25.1%. The standardized incidence of IE in Spain in the period 2016-2019 was 5.77 (95% CI: 5.12-6.41) cases per 100000 person-years. Standardized incidence rates (cases per 1000000 person-years) and risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates of infective endocarditis among AC are shown at Figure 1, were significant differences were found. In a multilevel logistic regression analysis, cardiogenic shock (OR 5.95, CI 4.98-7.9) and septic shock (OR 4.54, CI 3.78-5.44) were associated with the highest odds ratio for in-hospital mortality, whereas Streptococci viridans was associated with the lowest (OR 0.44, CI 0.37-0.52). Irrespectively of the AC, patients treated at high-volume centres (> 22 episodes per year) had a slightly lower risk-adjusted mortality (22.7±4.1 vs 23±3.6) p<0.001) (Figure 2, blue dots represent low-volume hospitals, red dots represent high-volume hospitals). Conclusions We found relevant and statistically significant differences in standardized incidence rates of IE, and risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates among regions. Regardless of the AC, patients treated in high-volume centres (>22 episodes per year) had a slightly lower risk-adjusted mortality.Figure 1Figure 2

Role of thoracoabdominal imaging on diagnosis and management in patients with suspected infective endocarditis

Abstract Background/Introduction Embolic events (EEs) are a common complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and their presence can impact diagnosis and modify the therapeutic plan. Purpose The present study aimed to describe the role of thoracoabdominal imaging (TA-Im) on diagnosis and management of patients with suspected IE. Methods This study was conducted at a university hospital, from January 2014 to June 2022. EEs and IE were defined according to modified Duke criteria. Results Among 966 episodes with IE suspicion and TA-Im, 740 (77%) contrast-enhanced CT, 158 (16%) 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68 (7%) non-contrast-enhanced CT. The majority of patients (528; 55%) were without thoracoabdominal symptoms. At least one EE was found in 205 (21%) episodes. Based on TA-Im findings, the diagnosis was reclassified from rejected to possible or from possible to definite IE in 6 (1%) and 10 (1%) episodes, respectively [2 (0.5%) and 5 (1%) in asymptomatic episodes, respectively]. Table shows the type of embolic events and their impact on diagnosis in episodes with suspected IE. Among the 413 patients with possible or definite IE, at least one EE was found on TA-Im in 143 (35%) episodes. Together with the presence of left-side valvular vegetation >10mm, the results of TA-Im established a surgical indication (prevention of embolism) in 15 (4%) episodes, 7 of which were asymptomatic. Among the subgroup of episodes (n=127) with left-side vegetation >10mm, TA-Im established a surgical indication in 12% of episodes (15 patients), 10% among asymptomatic episodes (7 out of 73). Figure shows the changes in diagnostic classification and management due to TA-Im results in patients suspected (A) and those with IE (B). Conclusion TA-Im performed in asymptomatic patients with IE suspicion improved the diagnosis of IE in only a small proportion of patients; this proportion was similarly low in symptomatic patients. The role of systematic TA-Im in the clinical management of asymptomatic IE patients remains unclear, since it identified a new indication for valvular surgery in only a small proportion of patients. The scenario, where the benefit of TA-Im on management is a patient with a vegetation >10mm; in those patients, systematic TA-Im may lead to a new surgical indication in 10% of cases.Embolic eventsDiagnosis and mangement

Echocardiographic features predict the performance of transthoracic echocardiography in ruling out infective endocarditis: a 5-year study

Abstract Background Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) remains the gold standard imaging modality to aid in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE), but is resource intensive and confers patient risk. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a more accessible alternative, but previous studies report varying ability of TTE to effectively rule out disease. As a result, negative TTE is often still followed with TOE when clinical suspicion remains. However, these studies did not account for TTE quality and other echocardiographic features within the TTE that may decrease its diagnostic utility and thereby reduce its ability to effectively rule out disease. Understanding the risk of missing IE for a given negative TTE could avoid the need for subsequent TOE. Purpose Our aim is to devise and test the validity of a scoring system which can stratify TTEs by quality to predict TTE performance and inform the decision for whether follow-up TOE is necessary. Methods In this retrospective single-centre study, the Predictor of TTE Performance (PTP) scoring system was developed and applied to patients undergoing both TTE and TOE for suspected IE at our tertiary centre between May 2017 and May 2022. Within the scoring system, a point was allocated for the presence of each of the following on TTE: a mobile echodensity; poor image quality; more than mild regurgitation; a prosthetic valve or prosthetic intracardiac material; and other valvular abnormalities. Poor image quality was defined as any TTE that was unable to achieve good endocardial visualisation from at least two views. Valvular abnormalities warranting a point included congenital abnormalities such as bicuspid aortic valve and acquired abnormalities such as rheumatic valvular disease, mitral valve prolapse and valvular stenosis. The negative predictive value (NPV) for TTEs in each score category was analysed using TOE as the gold standard. Results A total of 362 patients with paired TTE/TOE were included for analysis. 60 (16.6%) had positive TOE, with the overall NPV of TTE being 88.5% (95% CI: 84.6–91.5%). Using the PTP scoring system, patients were stratified into low-risk (score of 0, n = 116), moderate-risk (score of 1, n = 140) and high-risk (score greater than 1, n = 106) groups. Increasing PTP score was associated with poorer TTE performance, with the low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk categories having NPVs of 98.3% (95% CI: 93.9–99.7%), 90.2% (95% CI: 83.9–94.2%) and 72.3% (95% CI: 61.8–80.8%) respectively. Conclusion The ability of TTE to exclude IE is excellent when patients have no echocardiographic features that reduce TTE quality or predict increased risk for endocarditis. In patients with a low PTP score, negative TTE may render follow-up TOE unnecessary.

Validation of the DANCAMI, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index for predicting mortality in patients with infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction Comorbidity scores are often used to adjusted for confounding by comorbidity burden in population-based research as they increase statistical efficiency in smaller study populations. However, there is currently no comorbidity index available for predicting infective endocarditis prognosis. This gap in the literature hinders the ability to accurately adjust for confounding in studies investigating the prognosis of infective endocarditis, highlighting the need of validating existing comorbidity indices for this purpose. Purpose To validate the discriminatory ability of the Danish Comorbidity Index for Acute Myocardial Infarction (DANCAMI), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) for predicting in-hospital, 1-year, and 10-year all-cause mortality after infective endocarditis. Methods We used nationwide Danish health registries to identify all patients with a first-time inpatient, primary or secondary diagnosis for infective endocarditis between 1995 and 2021 and their comorbidities. When identifying the comorbidities, we used all in and outpatient hospital information in the 10 years before the infective endocarditis diagnosis. Based on the presence of comorbidities, we estimated the DANCAMI, the CCI, and the ECI scores for each patient. Using a logistic regression model, we calculated area under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) for a baseline model including age and sex and for models including the scores from the comorbidity indices plus age and sex for in-hospital, 1-year, and 10-year all-cause mortality. The AUC describes the probability that for a pair of random patients, the model will assign a greater predicted risk to the patient dying. Results Overall, we identified 12,530 patients with infective endocarditis. The median age was 71 years and 35% were females. For the individual analyses, we had complete follow-up on 12,493 patients when predicting in-hospital mortality, 11,587 when predicting 1-year mortality, and 5,880 patients when predicting 10-year mortality. For in-hospital mortality, the AUCs were 0.62 for the baseline model, 0.65 for the DANCAMI, 0.64 for the CCI, and 0.65 for the ECI. For 1-year mortality, the AUCs were 0.66 for the baseline model, 0.71 for the DANCAMI, 0.70 for the CCI, and 0.70 for the ECI. For 10-year mortality, the AUCs were 0.76 for the baseline model, 0.82 for the DANCAMI, 0.81 for the CCI, and 0.81 for the ECI. Conclusions After accounting for sex and age, adding either the DANCAMI, the CCI, or the ECI did not increase the discriminatory ability for predicting in-hospital all-cause mortality after infective endocarditis but did increase the discriminatory ability for predicting 1-year and 10-year all-cause mortality. Consequently, comorbidity scores might be beneficial in reducing confounding by comorbidity burden when predicting 1-year or 10-year infective endocarditis mortality, depending on their association with the exposure of interest.

Abstract 15466: Social Determinants of Health Vulnerabilities Among Patients With Substance Use Disorder and Infective Endocarditis

Introduction: Data indicate that the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is rising among patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and is linked with increased mortality. However, the social determinants of health (SDOH) vulnerabilities associated with IE in this population has not been well characterized. Aims: To examine the SDOH associated with IE among patients with SUD. Methods: Using our electronic medical records, we identified patients with concurrent diagnosis of IE and SUD from 2017 until May 2023. Socio-demographics and SDOH including unstable housing (identified using diagnosis codes, residential address test, and natural language processing of clinical notes documenting homelessness and shelter referrals) were identified. A multivariable regression model was conducted to identity independent risk factors associated with IE among patients with SUD. Results: Among 26,918 patients admitted with an SUD encounter, 1,422 (5.3%) had an IE encounter. Patients with IE were younger (37 vs 43 years, P<0.001), mostly white (96% vs 87.7%, P<0.001), Medicaid enrollees (84.2% vs 58.6%, P<0.001), and had less than high school education (10.6% vs 8.1%, P=0.005). They were more likely to reside in rural areas (58.1% vs 44.8%) and have unstable housing (28.6% vs 16.3%). Patients with IE had higher prevalence of smoking (83.5% vs 67.3%) as well as cardiac, dental, mental and other health conditions. Certain socio-demographics and SDOH were independently associated with IE on multivariable regression (Figure). Conclusions: Patients with SUD and IE have distinct socio-demographics and SDOH characteristics. Incorporating these factors into future risk prediction tools could better help identifying SUD patients who are at risk to implement targeted techniques which have been proven to lower the risk of infection.

Abstract 11693: Comparison of In-Hospital Outcomes in Infective Endocarditis Patients With and Without Embolic Stroke

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a critical condition that can lead to complications such as embolic stroke. This study aimed to compare the in-hospital outcomes between IE patients with and without embolic stroke. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2020. We identified admissions with a principal diagnosis of IE, with embolic stroke as a secondary diagnosis. In-hospital outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and total charge, were analyzed after adjusting for patients' demographics, hospital characteristics, and chronic comorbidities, including heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. Results: A total of 62,200 admissions with IE were identified, of which 4,460 (7.2%) developed embolic stroke, with females accounting for 38% of the cohort. Patients who developed embolic stroke had a significantly higher risk of mortality (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.8-3.1, P=0.000), longer length of stay (18 days, Coefficient: 5.8, 95% CI: 4.6-7.0, P=0.000), and higher total charge (285,285, Coefficient: 121,586, 95% CI: 98,119-145,054, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our study found that IE patients who experienced embolic stroke had significantly worse outcomes, including higher mortality rates, prolonged length of stay, and increased financial burden. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and close monitoring for this high-risk subgroup to improve patient outcomes and resource utilization.

Abstract 12025: Utility of Intracardiac Echocardiography for Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis and Cardiovascular Device-Related Infection: A Contemporary Systematic Review

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE), particularly prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and cardiac device-related endocarditis (CDIE), presents significant diagnostic challenges. The efficacy of intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) for diagnosing IE and assessing intra-cardiac infections when transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is contraindicated, is not extensively studied. Methods: We searched six databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, Science Direct, and Web of Science, for articles published between September 2002 and November 2022, related to the utility of ICE in IE. Eligibility screening followed the search. Results: From the 12 identified studies discussing ICE for IE diagnosis, ten cases of IE were highlighted in nine reports, and three cohort studies included 236 patients without individual patient details. ICE was not used in any native valve IE case. Predominantly male patients (90%) had a median age of 42 years, developing endocarditis 2.5 years post initial cardiac procedure. The most common microorganisms identified were Staphylococcus species. ICE proved beneficial in various scenarios, particularly PVE and CDIE, especially when echocardiography studies were inconclusive or contraindicated. As an alternative to TEE, ICE offers clear visualization of right heart structure, guiding interventions such as pacemaker lead extractions. It excels in detecting device lead abnormalities and small vegetations in CDIE cases, supporting risk stratification and preparation for infected device extraction. Notably, all PVE cases involved bioprosthetic valves, affecting various heart structures and valves. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights ICE as an adjunct imaging modality in IE, especially in PVE and CDIE when TEE is contraindicated. Preliminary data suggest its valuable role during intracardiac lead extractions.

Abstract 14148: Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Pseudoaneurysm in a Pediatric Patient: An Unusual Presentation of Endocarditis

Description of Case: A 12-year-old male with known bicuspid aortic valve presented with one month of progressive weight loss and subjective fevers. Transthoracic echocardiogram was concerning for a new left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) aneurysm (figure 1). His aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation had notably progressed compared to a prior study one year ago. He was urgently referred for cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), which demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the LVOT inferior to the aortic valve and irregularly thickened aortic valve leaflets with a notable perforation (figure 2). Blood cultures were positive for Viridans streptococci, confirming the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. The patient was referred for a Bentall procedure with LVOT pseudoaneurysm repair. Pre-operative transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a communication of the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve and LVOT. Ultimately, aortic root replacement was performed with a 23mm homograft. Our patient recovered well from surgery and now has excellent clinical status with normal aortic valve function. Discussion: Pseudoaneurysm of the LVOT as a result of infective endocarditis is a rare diagnosis, especially in the pediatric population. Of the case reports published, it is most seen in the setting of infection involving the native aortic valve but has also been reported after aortic valve replacement. As in our patient, the most commonly reported location involves the mitral-aortic intervalvular fossa. Symptoms have insidious onset and the diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. A multimodal imaging approach is warranted for optimal diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract 147: Utilization and Application of Transcranial Doppler Emboli Monitoring for Infective Endocarditis

Introduction The rapid growth of the elderly population, an increase in cardiac disease, and notable use of intracardiac prosthetic devices has led to an increased prevalence of infective endocarditis (IE). Among the sequelae observed with an IE diagnosis, acute ischemic stroke (AIS), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), vasculitis, septic emboli, cerebral abscess, and infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIA) continue to complicate overall management of this disease. Current literature on neurological complications of IE includes limited data on the defined role of neuroimaging in dictating inpatient management. Transcranial doppler (TCD) emboli monitoring with high intensity signals (HITS) offers a real time, radiation‐free, relatively low cost, non‐invasive imaging option to potentially risk stratify and identify candidates for earlier intervention to prevent further cerebrovascular (CV) complications. Methods We conducted an observational study of infective endocarditis cases admitted to our institution from April 2022 to May 2023 who had TCD with HITS completed. Baseline clinical characteristics (age, sex, date and timing of TCD with HITS study, date of last positive blood culture, organism of infection, other neuroimaging utilized) were recorded. Observations recorded included the results of the TCD with HITS studies, the overall incidence and timing of neurological complications (AIS, SAH, ICH, IIA, septic emboli, cerebral abscess), timing of valve surgery, and inpatient mortality rates. A positive HITS was defined as detection of cerebral microembolism during ultrasound monitoring of bilateral middle cerebral arteries (MCA) for 30 minutes using a TCD machine (VIASONIX Dolphin IQ). Results Between April 2022 to July 2023, we identified 22 patients with confirmed left‐sided infective endocarditis who underwent TCD with HITS. Mean age was 66 years (SD, 10), and 82% were men. Leading pathogen types were Enterococcus Faecalis (27%) and Staphylococcus Epidermidis (18%). CV complications were noted in 19/22 patients (86%), the most common being AIS (82%) and IPH (18%). Two patients (9%) were found to have a positive HITS study, both of which developed septic emboli that caused ischemic stroke in one case, and hemorrhagic stroke in the other case. Average days from admission to timing of TCD with HITS study was 8.5 days. 14/22 patients underwent valve surgery (64%) during the admission on average 9.2 days after TCD with HITS study in the negative HITS group versus 5 days in the positive HITS group. Of the positive HITS cases, one of them died inpatient. Conclusion The association between neurological complications in patients with IE and cerebral microemboli detected with TCD monitoring has yet to be elucidated. While our observational study was limited by our sample size, both of our IE patients who had positive TCD with HITS studies developed more severe CV complications, and aggressive care was sought out more urgently to further minimize complications. Future directions include pursuing a prospective study incorporating TCD with HITS monitoring for patients with IE in order to risk‐stratify neurological complications and safety of valve surgery.

Comparison of Blood-Based Shotgun and Targeted Metagenomic Sequencing for Microbiological Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis.

Shotgun and targeted metagenomic sequencing have been shown in separate studies to be potentially useful for culture-free pathogen identification in blood and/or plasma of patients with infective endocarditis (IE). However, the 2 approaches have not been directly compared. The aim of this study was to compare shotgun metagenomic sequencing with targeted metagenomic sequencing (tMGS) for organism identification in blood or plasma of patients with IE. Patients with possible or definite IE were prospectively enrolled from October 2020 to July 2021. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed with the Karius test, which uses microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing to detect, identify, and quantitate DNA-based pathogens in plasma. tMGS was performed using a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the V1 to V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Results were compared using the McNemar test of paired proportions. Samples from 34 patients were investigated. The Karius test was positive in 24/34 (71%), including 3/6 (50%) with blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE), which was not significantly different from the positivity rate of tMGS (P = .41). Results of the Karius test were concordant with tMGS in 75% of cases. The Karius test detected 2 cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among the 7 S. aureus detections, in accordance with results of phenotypic susceptibility testing. The combination of blood cultures, the Karius test, and tMGS found a potential causative pathogen in 33/34 (97%), including 5/6 with BCNE. The Karius test and tMGS yielded comparable detection rates; however, beyond organism identification, the Karius test generated potentially useful antibiotic resistance data.

Novel 3D versus traditional transesophageal echocardiography techniques: Defining differences in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

Despite the availability of current antibiotic and surgical treatment options, infective endocarditis (IE) remains associated with a high mortality rate. Even though two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a major criteria in the diagnosis of IE, it is constrained by the single-plane orientation. Since three-dimensional (3D) TOE provides a comprehensive understanding of the cardiac architecture by allowing for a realistic visualization of the underlying structures in 3D space, it has attracted considerable interest in recent years. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the advantages and pitfalls of 3D TOE in patients with IE, as well as to address emerging photo-realistic 3D techniques that have the potential to enhance the visualization of cardiac structures in this setting. According to recent research, 3D TOE acquisitions outperform 2D acquisitions in terms of vegetation identification accuracy and embolism risk assessment. By reporting a variety of findings that are missed with 2D TOE, but which are validated by surgical examination, 3D TOE further improves the ability to identify endocarditis complications on both native and prosthetic valves. In addition to conventional 3D TOE, future developments in 3D technology led to the development of transillumination and tissue-transparency rendering, which may improve anatomical understanding and depth perception. Due to the use of both conventional and novel 3D techniques, there are more patients who require surgical intervention, indicating that 3D TOE may have a clinical relevance on the surgical management. 3D TOE might fill the gaps left by 2D TOE in the diagnosis of IE.

Improved [18F]FDG PET/CT Diagnostic Accuracy for Infective Endocarditis Using Conventional Cardiac Gating or Combined Cardiac and Respiratory Motion Correction (CardioFreezeTM).

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and diagnostically challenging condition. [18F]FDG PET/CT is valuable for evaluating suspected IE, but it is susceptible to motion-related artefacts. This study investigated the potential benefits of cardiac motion correction for [18F]FDG PET/CT. In this prospective study, patients underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT for suspected IE, combined with a conventional cardiac gating sequence, a data-driven cardiac and respiratory gating sequence (CardioFreezeTM), or both. Scans were performed in adherence to EANM guidelines and assessors were blinded to patients' clinical contexts. Final diagnosis of IE was established based on multidisciplinary consensus after a minimum of 4 months follow-up and surgical findings, whenever performed. Seven patients participated in the study, undergoing both an ungated [18F] FDG-PET/CT and a scan with either conventional cardiac gating, CardioFreezeTM, or both. Cardiac motion correction improved the interpretability of [18F]FDG PET/CT in four out of five patients with valvular IE lesions, regardless of the method of motion correction used, which was statistically significant by Wilcoxon's signed rank test: p = 0.046. In one patient the motion-corrected sequence confirmed the diagnosis of endocarditis, which had been missed on non-gated PET. The performance of the two gating sequences was comparable. In conclusion, in this exploratory study, cardiac motion correction of [18F]FDG PET/CT improved the interpretability of [18F]FDG PET/CT. This may improve the sensitivity of PET/CT for suspected IE. Further larger comparative studies are necessary to confirm the additive value of these cardiac motion correction methods.

Evaluation of epidemiological and microbiological characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of adult patients with infective endocarditis in Mashhad, Iran.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious problem with high morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its epidemiology in non-high-income settings. Here, we described the characteristics of patients with IE. Between March 2012 to March 2020, all adults (≥ 16 years) with a diagnosis of IE who were admitted to a university hospital in Mashhad, Iran, were included in the study. We evaluated 46 cases of IE with a median age of 42 years (interquartile range 31 to 58.3 years), of whom 21 (46%) had a definite diagnosis. The presence of a prosthetic valve or intracardiac device was the leading predisposing factor (N = 14, 30%). The etiology of IE in 22 subjects (48%) remained unknown. Staphylococcus aureus (N = 12, 26%) was the most common causative pathogen. Echocardiography revealed the mitral valve as the most affected valve (N = 18, 39%). Intravenous drug users (IVDU) had a higher chance of right-sided IE, as compared to no IVDU patients (odds ratio: 35, 95% CI: 3.7 to 425.0). The most prevalent complications were lung infarction, acute heart failure, and neurologic involvement (N = 5, 11% for each), and 15 patients (33%) died because of IE. In our study, the median age of IE onset was relatively low. The most frequent predisposing factor was a prosthetic valve or intracardiac device. The proportion of negative blood cultures was unacceptably high. Thus, our findings emphasize promoting laboratory infrastructure, developing a national protocol for early initiation of appropriate treatment, and eliminating predisposing factors.

Risk Factors for Acute Heart Failure in Patients with Infective Endocarditis

Background. Acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is an independent indication for urgent cardiac surgery according to international guidelines. Preoperative risk factors for AHF in patients with IE empower to build the route of a patient rationally according to clinical status.
 The aim. To analyze clinically significant risk factors for AHF in patients with IE.
 Materials and methods. A retrospective single-center study was conducted which included clinical data of 311 patients with IE who were treated at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine for the period from January 1, 2019 to October 22, 2021. The mean age of the patients was 47.9 ± 3.83 (19 to 77) years. The proportion of men in the study was 81.7% (254 patients). The mean duration of IE was 2.6 ± 0.1 (1 to 11) months. Global database for IE patients was divided into separate cohorts with different problems associated with this pathology. Diagnosis of IE was established according to the Duke criteria. The causative agent was identified and results of antibioticogram were evaluated. All the patients were divided into classes according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional scale. Patients with signs of AHF were assigned to NYHA class IV. There were 2 groups of patients: 252 (81.1%) patients without signs of AHF before surgery, 59 (18.9%) patients with preoperative AHF. The risk factors for the occurrence of AHF were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The intensive care unit length of stay and hospital length of stay were evaluated.
 Results. Risk factors for preoperative AHF in patients with IE: IE of the aortic valve (odds ratio (OR), 2.97 [1.57-6.91]) (p=0.003); concomitant inflammatory pathology of the lungs (OR 3.37 [1.55-7.11]) (р=0.003); linezolid resistance of the pathogen (OR 2.34 [1.07-4.26]) (р=0.026); vancomycin resistance of the pathogen (OR 2.25 [1.13-4.74]) (p=0.032); IE of the prosthetic heart valve (OR 1.155 [1.01-1.1]) (p=0.036); nosocomial nature of the disease (OR 2.14 [0.83-4.37]) (р=0.049). The intensive care unit length of stay was significantly longer in the group of patients with AHF (8.8 ± 0.7 days) than in the group of patients without AHF (4.8 ± 0.2 days) (р˂0.001). For 311 surgical interventions, the number of deaths was 7 (2.3%). The analysis of deaths according to the type of complications revealed that 4 (1.5%) patients died due to cardiac causes (263 cardiac complications). Among them, the largest share was made up of patients with AHF: 3 (1.4%).
 Conclusions. In clinical work, it is important to identify preoperative factors that are associated with the tactics of treatment of patients with IE in order to improve the results of cardiac surgery.

Contemporary Features and Management of Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis is a rare but devastating disease. Morbidity and mortality rates have failed to improve despite new technological advances. The disease has evolved over time with new significant populations at risk-most notably those with prosthetic valves or implantable cardiovascular devices. These devices pose new challenges for achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis of infection. While the modified Duke criteria is accepted as the gold standard for diagnosing native valve endocarditis, it has been shown to have significantly inferior sensitivity when it comes to identifying infections related to right-heart endocarditis, prosthetic valves, and indwelling cardiac devices. Additionally, prosthetic valves and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices can exhibit shadowing and artifact, rendering transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography results inconclusive or even normal. Having a keen awareness of the varying clinical presentations, as well as emerging valvular imaging modalities such as F-fluorodeoxyglucose cardiac positron-emission tomography plus computed tomography, promises to improve the evaluation and diagnosis of infective endocarditis. However, indications for appropriate use of these studies and guidance on modern clinical management are still needed.

Diagnosis of infective endocarditis using focused cardiac ultrasound

Diagnosis of infective endocarditis using focused cardiac ultrasound

Prognostic Value of Blood Urea Nitrogen for Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Infective Endocarditis.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a metabolic product validated to be an independent risk factor in the prognosis of several diseases. However, the prognostic value of BUN in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) remains unevaluated. A total of 1371 patients with a diagnosis of IE were included and divided into four groups according to BUN (mmol/L) at admission: < 3.5 (n = 343), 3.5-4.8 (n = 343), 4.8-6.8 (n = 341), and ≥ 6.8 (n = 344). Restricted cubic spline was used to assess the association of BUN with in-hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. The in-hospital mortality reached 7.4%, while the 6-month mortality was 9.8%. The restricted cubic spline plot exhibited an approximately linear relationship between BUN and in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off of BUN for predicting in-hospital death was 6.8mmol/L. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with BUN > 6.8mmol/L had a higher 6-month mortality than other groups (log rank = 97.9, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that BUN>6.8mmol/L was an independent predictor indicator for both in-hospital [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.365, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.292-4.328, P = 0.005] and 6-month mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.171, 95% CI 1.355-3.479, P = 0.001]. BUN is suitable for independently predicting short-term mortality in patients with IE.