NEUROLOGIC COMPLICATIONS OF INFECTIOUS EN DOCARDITIS

Despite considerable progress in both diagnostic studies and therapeut ic management serious complications of infectious endocarditis have be come rather more common. Next to intracardiac complications arterial e mbolization to the central nervous system is the second most common li fe-threatening event, which might lead to infarction, hemorrhage, myco tic aneurysm and/or metastatic infection with a wide spectrum of neuro logical symptoms and an overall very poor prognosis. The most effectiv e prevention of neurological complications is the early diagnosis of i nfectious endocarditis with isolation of the infecting agent and adqua te antimicrobial chemotherapy in combination with well-timed cardiosur gical measures. Computed tomography and cerebral angiography is mandat ory in any patient with neurological symptoms to check the need for a neurosurgical intervention as well as in patients assigned for anticoa gulation for cardiac reasons.