ABSTRACT
The true incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is uncertain, but it has been estimated to account for one out of every 1000 hospital admissions (1). The morbidity of this disorder is substantial, as it can cause cardiac valvular insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and cardiac conduction system abnormalities. Embolization of infected vegetations can damage vital organs, including brain, kidney, and lung. Circulating immune complexes that develop in response to endovascular infection can yield microvascular injury, arthritis, and renal failure.
