Manuel Martins Barbosa et al. Carla Dias Elsa Araújo Raquel Costa
Introduction
Infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the first diagnostic hypotheses for patients admitted for acute heart failure and evidence of infection. Blood samples are collected for culture, and empiric, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy is initiated. Emergent cardiac surgery may be required depending on the severity of the case.
These procedures reduce bacteremia and improve clinical condition, which, in turn, may lead to discontinuation of diagnostic investigation in the presence of blood culture-negative endocarditis. Some of these patients, however, will have another episode of endocarditis.
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