Infective endocarditis in children: a current diagnostic trend and the embolic complications

Jpn Circ J. 1986 Dec;50(12):1294-7. doi: 10.1253/jcj.50.1294.

Abstract

Twenty-three cases of IE, of which 91% had underlying congenital heart diseases were diagnosed by positive blood culture or vegetative lesion detected by 2-D ECHO when a patient revealed clinically suspicious episodes. VSD and TOF were the most common underlying heart diseases. The vegetation was detected successfully by 2-D ECHO in 91% of the cases. The causative organisms were identified in 83% of the cases. Streptococcus viridans and Staphylococcus aureus were the two major organisms detected. Candida albicans was found in 3 postoperative and fatal cases. Embolic complications occurred in 7 cases (30.5%): five cases of pulmonary infarction and two of cerebral infarction. The overall mortality was 22%. We recommend early surgical intervention whenever a patient reveals a very large vegetation with animated movability, and emphasize the importance of a proper prophylaxic regimen.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Echocardiography
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / etiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis