The central S. aureus surveillance in Denmark made it possible to analyze the clinical features of S. aureus endocarditis in a nation-wide population of non-drug addicts. Almost all cases of bacteraemia with S. aureus are reported to the Staphylococcus laboratory, Copenhagen. The medical records were reviewed in cases from 1982 to 1991 in which the diagnosis of endocarditis was reported or suspected. Two hundred and sixty patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria. In 83 patients the diagnosis of endocarditis was not suspected clinically. The overall mortality rate among those patients whose disease was diagnosed clinically was 46% and significantly associated with late congestive heart failure, age and involvement of the central nervous system. A more frequent use of echocardiography as a screening method seems essential to improve the prognosis of patients with S. aureus endocarditis. Involvement of the CNS constitutes a relative indication for early valve replacement.