Challenges and Updates in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening disease of the endocardium of the heart and cardiac valves, caused by several infectious agents, ranging from Streptococci to rickettsia. It has continued to be a serious cause of cardiac infection, with a rise in the incidence globally over the last 5 years. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, its prognosis remains poor, and a surge in morbidity and hospital mortality highlights the significance of the swift diagnosis of this disease. Given its complexity, patients with infective endocarditis need rapid response and prompt diagnosis from a multidisciplinary team with a timely diagnostic protocol and treatment in the critical phase. Still, there is a lack of evidence regarding the timing of surgery or the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in the management. In this review, we detail the epidemiological transition, challenges in the diagnosis, and the newer avenues in the medical and surgical management of infective endocarditis.