New guidelines focus on prevention, treatment, and follow-up for infective endocarditis.
Prevention measures
Antibiotic prophylaxis is advised for high-risk patients undergoing oro-dental procedures. This includes also those with ventricular assist devices and heart transplants.
Imaging recommendations
TOE, cardiac CTA, and/or [18F]FDG-PET/CT(A) are recommended for detecting valvular lesions and complications.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient antibiotic treatment is recommended for stable patients with specific bacterial infections after 10 days of IV antibiotics. TOE is recommended before switching from intravenous to oral antibiotics in stable patients.
Post-discharge follow-up
Follow-up to reduce the risk of recurrence includes patient education, dental health, addiction treatment, and cardiac rehabilitation.
These guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes through comprehensive prevention, precise imaging, effective treatment, and thorough follow-up care. As these guidelines emphasize the importance of precise imaging in diagnosing and managing endocarditis, using advanced echocardiography tools becomes essential. Innovative echocardiography software can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of imaging, helping cardiologists adhere to these best practices and improve patient outcomes.
