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Endocarditis

Revising Medical Author: Daniel Kulick, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is a serious infection of one of the four heart valves.

What causes endocarditis?

Endocarditis is caused by a growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves, leading to an infected mass called a "vegetation". The infection may be introduced during brief periods of having bacteria in the bloodstream, such as after dental work, colonoscopy, and other similar procedures.




Next: What are the symptoms of endocarditis? »

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