Infective Endocarditis and Valvular Heart Disease

The natural history of infective endocarditis (IE) has undergone considerable changes in the antibiotic era. The older classifications of acute, subacute, and chronic have become less meaningful; immunologic phenomena, such as Osler’s nodes and glomerulonephritis, are rarely seen; and nosocomial infections from indwelling catheters and devices are increasing. Early diagnosis and treatment play a significant role in the clinical outcomes because IE remains a disease that causes considerable morbidity and mortality.