Abstract

SILVA, Federico A et al. Neurological complications of infective endocarditis: controversies. Rev. Colomb. Cardiol. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.4, pp.212-219. ISSN 0120-5633.

Neurological complications of acute infective endocarditis are described in 20%-40% of cases, representing an important predictive factor of morbidity, mortality, sequels and disability. Acute endocarditis is characterized by a wide clinical spectrum due to its complex physiopathology that involves inflammatory, immune, infectious and embolic phenomena. Despite the remarkable frequency of neurological complications in the infective endocarditis especially by cerebrovascular disease and neuroinfections, there are still some controversies about some diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, partly because of the little evidence available. This paper describes a number of cases seen in the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia and discusses some aspects related with the diagnosis and treatment of the neurological complications of acute endocarditis.

Keywords : infective endocarditis; cerebrovascular diseases; cardiac vegetation; thrombolysis; cardiac surgery; anticoagulation.

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