What is INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS of the left heart chambers? Let’s take a closer look in 3D with VOKA Infective endocarditis is a serious inflammation of the endocardium, typically targeting the valves of the heart. When it involves the left chambers, it most often affects the mitral valve, followed by the aortic valve. 🔬 What happens to the valves? Bacterial colonization leads to the formation of vegetations—clusters of fibrin, platelets, and microbes. These vegetations can deform or perforate t

Patients with infective endocarditis typically receive antibiotics intravenously for up to 6 weeks; in those who survive the initial phase, the main reason to stay in the hospital is to complete the intravenous treatment. Full study: https://nej.md/2LwyRFD Watch more Quick Take videos: http://nej.md/quick-take | The New England Journal of Medicine