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C a r d i o v a s c u l a r D i s o r d e r s
Chapter 6
• Cardiovascular Disorders
65
Normal heart wall
Myocardium
Epicardium
Parietal pericardium
Fibrous pericardium
Endocardium
Endocarditis
Myocardium
Epicardium
Parietal pericardium
Fibrous pericardium
Inflamed endocardium
TISSUE CHANGES IN ENDOCARDITIS
Treatment
•
Penicillin and an aminoglycoside, usually gentamicin
•
Bed rest
•
NSAIDs or acetaminophen for fever and aches
•
Sufficient fluid intake
•
Corrective surgery, if refractory heart failure develops or if
damage to heart structures occurs
•
Replacement of an infected prosthetic valve
Clinical tip
Any patient who’s susceptible to endocarditis,
such as those with valvular defects or another pre-
disposing factor, should have prophylactic antibi-
otics prior to dental or other invasive procedures.