Pathological Characteristics of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the heart’s endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. The pathological characteristics of IE involve bacterial or fungal colonization, leading to vegetation formation that can result in severe complications.

Gross Features

Gross examination of infected heart valves typically reveals friable vegetations composed of fibrin, platelets, and microorganisms. These vegetations may lead to valve destruction, perforation, and embolization.

Microscopic Features

• Presence of inflammatory infiltrates, primarily composed of neutrophils and macrophages.
• Microorganism colonies embedded within fibrin deposits.
• Necrosis and fibrosis indicating advanced infection stages.

Diagnosis

IE is diagnosed using a combination of clinical criteria, imaging studies, and microbiological assessments. Echocardiography, particularly transesophageal echocardiography, plays a crucial role in detecting vegetations and valve abnormalities.

Complications

• Septic embolism leading to stroke or organ infarction.
• Heart valve insufficiency causing congestive heart failure.
• Abscess formation within the heart structures.