Post-mortem findings in acute infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a microbial infection of the heart valves or the mural endocardium that leads to the formation of vegetations composed of thrombotic debris and microorganisms often associated with the destruction of the cardiac tissues. Most of the infections are bacterial (bacterial endocarditis), although fungi and other microorganisms can be etiological agents. Causative organisms differ among the major high-risk groups. Virulent microorganisms like commonly found on the skin, can infect normal or deformed valves and are responsible for 20-30% of all IE cases. is the major offender in IE among intravenous drug abusers. Acute infective endocarditis is typically caused by infection of a previously normal heart valve by a highly virulent organism (e.g., ) that rapidly produces necrotizing and destructive lesions. These infections may be difficult to cure with antibiotics, and despite appropriate treatment, death can ensue within days to weeks. Here we present autopsy findings of a 31-year-old male patient who died of acute infective endocarditis caused by as the causative organism.