Infective endocarditis is a serious illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endocarditis was universally fatal before the antibiotic era. However, prognosis of endocarditis significantly improved with availability of bactericidal antibiotic therapy. However, more recently surgery has emerged as an important intervention in complicated endocarditis cases. We present two cases of endocarditis where surgical intervention was deemed necessary to correct worsening heart failure and valvular incompetence. These cases also highlight the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and optimal management of endocarditis.
Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention, are critical for better outcome of endocarditis cases complicated by heart failure, and valvular incompetence. Clinicians should be aware of optimal imaging modality for making the correct diagnosis and indications for surgical consultation in endocarditis.
Key words: Infective endocarditis, heart failure, valvular incompetence
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