Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. Bacteria or other germs can cause endocarditis. Endocarditis can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of bacteria or germ causing the infection and whether you have had previous heart problems. If you experience symptoms of endocarditis, contact your doctor immediately. Endocarditis can be life threatening if left untreated. Signs and symptoms of endocarditis may include:
Flu-like symptomsFeverChillsTiredness or fatigueAching muscles or jointsHeadacheSkin changesLoss of color or overall palenessNew rashesSmall red or dark spots under the skin on the fingers, toes, or soles of the hands or feet (can be painful or painless)Tiny spots under the fingernails, on the chest, on the whites of the eyes, roof of the mouth, or inside of the cheeksShortness of breath or cough that won’t go awayLoss of appetiteUnexplained weight lossNausea or vomitingBlood in the urineSwelling in the feet, legs, or abdomenSudden weakness in the face or limbsConfusion
Diagnosing Endocarditis
There are a few tests and procedures your doctor may perform to determine whether you have endocarditis and to rule out other causes for your symptoms. First, your doctor will ask you about any past surgeries or medical problems. Certain heart conditions may raise your risk of endocarditis. These conditions include:
Certain types of congenital heart defectsDamaged or artificial heart valvesImplanted medical devices (pacemaker)Recent heart surgery
Your doctor will also listen to your heart. A new heart murmur, or a change to a heart murmur you already have, may be a sign of endocarditis. Other tests and procedures to diagnose endocarditis may include: Blood tests: Your doctor will likely draw blood to determine the type of bacteria or germ that has entered your bloodstream. A blood test can also show whether there are signs of inflammation or infection. Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create a detailed image of your heart. An echocardiogram allows the doctor to see any changes to your heart valves.
TTE and TEE for Endocarditis
Most of the time, endocarditis is diagnosed with a special type of echocardiogram called a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). During a TTE, a trained medical professional will place an instrument called a transducer on top of your skin near the breastbone, on the upper abdomen, or close to the nipple. The transducer sends signals to an echocardiography machine, which converts the signals into pictures of the heart. A cardiologist (heart doctor) then interprets the results. The test typically takes about 30 minutes. In some cases, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be used as a second diagnostic test. The TEE can be performed if the TTE is negative, but your doctor still suspects that endocarditis is present.
