HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN CARDIAC VALVES SURGICALLY REMOVED FROM PATIENTS WITH INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate histopathological findings of cardiac valves surgically excised from patients with infective endocarditis relative to antimicrobial therapy and other clinical variables. Methods: We studied 44 patients, 30 men and 14 women aged 10–76 (median 52.5) years. Thirty biopsies were of bioprosthetic valves and 25 of native valves. The infecting microorganisms were streptococci in 18 (41%), Staphylococcus spp. in 9 (20%), Enterococcus spp. in 3 (7%), Gram-negative rods in 2 (4%) and others in 6 (13%). In 6 patients the infecting microorganism was not identified in blood cultures. All histopathological sections were reviewed by the same pathologist. A semi-quantitative analysis was used. Results: The mean of pre-operative antibiotic treatment was 19 days. Other findings are presented in Table 1. Conclusion: In patients with infective endocarditis treated for more than 30 days, histopathological sections of the excised valves may demonstrate bacteria and signs of acute inflammation.