Two-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of vegetative endocarditis.
Real-time, two-dimensional echocardiography was used to document the presence and assess the size and location of vegetative lesions of the cardiac valves and chambers in seven patients with bacterial endocarditis. Anatomic correlation (surgical or autopsy) was accurate in all patients. Two-dimensional echocardiography was shown to be of particular value in determining morphologic characteristics of the lesions since this technique provides spatial information concerning moving cardiac structures. The results of two-dimensional echocardiography were most helpful in determining selected aspects of the clinical care provided for each patient. These data demonstrate that real-time, two-dimensional echocardiography, in combination with M-mode imaging techniques, may be of great potential value in the detection of vegetative endocarditis. Furthermore, reliable assessment of lesion size and location may, in time, become a valuable method for following the morphologic changes that occur in vegetative lesions, and thus determine the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. This information may also provide a means for evaluating certain patients for surgical intervention.
Duke Scholars
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DOI
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Related Subject Headings
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Humans
- Heart Valve Prosthesis
- Heart Valve Diseases
- Female
- Endocarditis
- Echocardiography
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Cardiovascular System & Hematology
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Humans
- Heart Valve Prosthesis
- Heart Valve Diseases
- Female
- Endocarditis
- Echocardiography
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Cardiovascular System & Hematology