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IE Pathophysiology
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the heart's endocardial structures, most commonly the valves.
- A preceding non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), a small clot, often serves as the nidus for infection.
Evaluating for IE
- Ask patients about implanted devices, recent procedures, drug use, and unusual exposures.
- Examine for fever, new/worsening murmurs, and less common signs like Janeway lesions.
Workup for Suspected IE
- Obtain blood cultures, echocardiography, and consider a chest CT for septic emboli.
- Check urine protein and microscopy for glomerulonephritis.