Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a rare but serious condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis and management are complicated by its diverse clinical manifestations and the lack of clear, evidence-based guidelines. Despite advancements, the in-hospital mortality rate has remained around 20% over the past three decades.
Aim of the Work: To assess clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes, with each IE patient followed-up for one year post-discharge.
Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Cardiology Department, Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura University, from August 2016 to August 2018. Fifty patients were diagnosed with definite IE based on modified Duke criteria. Clinical data were collected. Patients underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, blood cultures, and laboratory tests. Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) was utilized to assess systemic complications.
Results: Fever and dizziness were universal symptoms present in 50 patients (100%). Vegetations were detected in 42 patients (84.5%), and embolic events occurred in 14 (28%). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen in 26 patients out of 35 patients with positive growth (74.3%). In-hospital mortality was observed in 17 patients (34%), primarily due to sepsis/multi-organ failure (11 out of 17 patients). At one-year follow-up, 8 patients (27.6%) had died, and recurrence of IE was rare observed in 1 out of 29 (3.4%).
Conclusion: IE presents with diverse clinical manifestations and significant mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including timely surgical intervention, are critical for improving outcomes. The study underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies to address the multifaceted nature of IE.