Difference between revisions of "Endocarditis"

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Usually due to bacterial infection.
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More common in cattle, pigs and sheep.  Often due to a chronic bacteraemia or pyaemia, spread from adjacent myocardium is rare.
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==Introduction==
[[Image:Bacterial endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Bacterial endocarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
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[[Image:Bacterial endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Bacterial endocarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
 +
Endocarditis is defined as an inflammation of the cardiac endocardium. The infection can affect the valves (valvular endocarditis) and then spread to the heart wall (mural endocarditis). It is usually a result of a bacteraemia or pyaemia, spread from adjacent myocardium is rare. It occurs in all species and is more common in cattle, pigs and sheep than dogs and cats. 
 +
 
 
Organisms commonly isolated include:
 
Organisms commonly isolated include:
*Cattle: [[Actinomyces pyogenes]]
+
*Cattle: ''[[Actinomyces pyogenes]]''
*Pigs: [[Erysipelothrix_rhusiopathiae|Erysipelothrix spp.]]
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*Pigs: [[Erysipelothrix_rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix spp.'']]
*Sheep: [[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococci.]]
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*Sheep: [[:Category:Streptococcus species|''Streptococci'']]
 +
*Dogs: [[:Category:Streptococcus species|''Streptococci'']], [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|''Staphylococci'']] and ''[[E. coli]]''
 +
 
 +
==Pathophysiology==
 +
===Vegetative Endocarditis===
 +
[[Image:vegetative endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Vegetative endocarditis (dog)'''. Courtesy of T. Scase</center></small>]]
 +
It is predisposed by valvular damage as thrombi occur on the surface of the valves exposed to blood flow. Mechanical trauma can cause such damage, such as jet lesions from turbulent blood flow or endocardial injury from a catheter extending into the heart. Highly virulent bacteria or a heavy bacterial load increase the risk of cardiac infection, and normal valves can be invaded by virulent bacteria. Bacteremia is essential for the development of endocarditis. Diseases that impair immune responses or cause hypercoagulability or endothelial disruption are thought to increase the endocarditis risk. Once bacteria colonise the valvular endocardium, vegetative lesions composed of platelets and fibrin are formed on the valves. Progression to rupture of the ''chordae tendinae'' is possible, along with spread of the infection to the adjacent mural endocardium. Valves may become stenotic, incompetent or both. Congestive heart failure commonly results from valvular insufficiency and volume overload. Because the mitral and aortic valves are typically affected, pulmonary oedema is the usual manifestation. Death usually results from either embolisation of the vegetative material or congestive heart failure due to significant valvular damage. Metastatic infection of other body sites commonly occurs.
 +
 
 +
===Ulcerative Endocarditis===
 +
Commonly seen along with renal failure in dogs. [[Uraemia]] irritates and damages the endocarium, particularly in the left atrium. Oedema is seen in the subendocardial tissue with deposition of glycosaminoglycans. This may progress to a necrotising endocarditis and, in extreme cases, left atrial rupture. If renal sufficiency is re-established then healing of the endocardial lesion is possible.
 +
 
 +
==Species differences==
 +
'''Cattle''': the disease predominantly affects the tricuspid valve, perhaps due to bacteria arising in the GI tract and liver. Common underlying causes include liver abscesses, [[Traumatic Reticulitis|traumatic reticulitis]], metritis, mastitis, navel abscesses and 'joint ill'. Congestive right sided failure is manifested as ascites (including '''bottle jaw''') and embolisation to the lungs. [[:Category:Anaemia|Anaemia]] is often present as the red blood cells are damaged as they pass through the vegetation.
 +
 
 +
'''Horse''': Lesions occur mainly on the mitral valve. The site of sepsis is often not identified but may be a sequale to septic jugular thrombophlembitis.
 +
 
 +
'''Pig''' and '''Dog''': Lesions occur particularly on the mitral valve (71% of cases in dogs), perhaps due to the higher pressure blood flow on the left side of the heart leading to more valvular damage. Left sided heart failure and pulmonary oedema are seen clinically, as are emboli in various organs, particularly the kidney.
 +
 
 +
==Signalment==
 +
Endocarditis is rare in dogs but males and large breeds (e.g. German Shepherds) are most affected. Dogs with subaortic stenosis are more at risk of developing the disease. It is very rare in cats.
 +
The disease mainly affects adult cattle and young pigs. In horses, males are more commonly affected than females. 
 +
 
 +
==History & Clinical Signs==
 +
Clinical signs are often vague and rarely referable to congestive heart failure. The following clinical signs are seen related to sepsis:
 +
*Pyrexia
 +
*Lameness
 +
*Neck Pain
 +
*Lethargy/Anorexia
 +
*Weight loss
 +
*Epistaxis
 +
 
 +
Signs of embolisation to other organs may also be seen and those of congestive heart failure (dyspnoea, poor pulses, pale mucous membranes, tacchycardia, pulmonary crackles)
 +
 
 +
==Physical examination==
 +
A variable murmur depending upon the valve affected. It may be noted that murmur has recently arisen or changed. Other clinical examination findings include joint effusions, lymphadenopathy, pyrexia and in advanced cases signs associated with [[Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation|disseminated intravascular coagulopathy]] (D.I.C) such as bleeding diathesis and petechiation.
 +
 
 +
==Diagnosis==
 +
Diagnosis can be difficult but a presumptive diagnosis is made on two or more positive blood cultures in addition to either echocardiographic evidence of vegetations or valve destruction, or the documented recent onset of a regurgitant murmur.
 +
===Laboratory findings===
 +
'''Blood profiles''': Not all cases will have altered blood changes. Possible changes include:
 +
::Haematology - [[Neutrophilia]], left shift, monocytosis, [[thrombocytopaenia]] and prolonged clotting times if developing D.I.C.
 +
::Biochemistry - [[Hypoalbuminaemia]] and hypoglycaemia.
 +
'''Urinalysis''' : may have proteinuria, casts, pyuria. A urinary tract infection may be present with the same organism as is responsible for the endocarditis.
 +
 
 +
'''Blood cultures''' : Requires 3-4 sterile samples collected from the jugular vein at least 1 hour apart over a 24 hour period. Negative cultures do not rule out the possibility of bacterial endocarditis.
 +
 
 +
===Echocardiography===
 +
Structural abnormalities and vegetations may be visible on the valves although it is difficult to differentiate from [[endocardiosis]].
 +
 
 +
===Radiography===
 +
Radiography is often unremarkable. There may be evidence of cardiomegaly or congestive heart failure if valvular damage is chronic or severe. Evidence of a focus of infection such as discospondylitis may be visible.
 +
 
 +
===Electrocardiogram (ECG)===
 +
ECG may be normal. Arrhythmias detectected are often ventricular in origin (e.g. ventricular premature complexes) and represent extension of the inflammatory focus to involve the myocardium. 3rd degree heart block may be present if the AV node is affected.
 +
 
 +
==Treatment==
 +
Antibiotic treatment with either a broad spectrum antibiotic or an appropriate antibiotic based on culture and sensitivity results. Antibiotics should be administered intravenously for the first 5 days of therapy followed by a prolonged course (>4 weeks) of oral medication.
 +
<br>Common Protocols use [[Penicillins|Ampicillin]] in combination with a [[Fluoroquinolones|Fluoroquinolone]] such as Enrofloxacin or an aminoglycoside.
 +
<br>Secondary problems such as septic shock, D.I.C., congestive heart failure and embolisation need to be managed. Treatments commonly include diuretics or vasodilators to control the oedema, reduce valvular regurgitation and improve cardiac output.
  
''Pathogenesis:''
+
==Prognosis==
 +
Long term prognosis is guarded to poor. Possible complications include septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, congestive heart failure and embolisation to other organs.
  
Contributing factors include:
+
{{Learning
*Trauma: haemodynamic turbulence.
+
|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title:(%22endocarditis%22)&fq=sc:%22ve%22 Endocarditis publications]
*Valve tissue ageing.
 
*Avascularity of valves; poor healing capacity.
 
*Tissue exposure; constant contact with blood-borne pathogens.
 
  
===Vegetative endocarditis===
+
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title:(%22endocarditis%22)+AND+od:(cattle)&fq=sc:%22ve%22 Endocarditis in cattle publications]
  
Predisposed by valvular damage as thrombi occur on the surface of the valves exposed to blood flow. Needs sustained or recurrent bacteraemia. Some bacteria have particular adherence properties and may only need a single episode of bacteraemia to set up an endocarditis.
+
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title:(%22endocarditis%22)+NOT+od:(cattle)&fq=sc:%22ve%22 Endocarditis in other veterinary species publications]
[[Image:vegetative endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Vegetative endocarditis (dog)'''. Courtesy of T. Scase</center></small>]]
+
|flashcards = [[Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Q&A 01]]
 +
}}
  
''Pathophysiology:''
+
==References==
 +
Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''
  
Loose thrombi of platelets and fibrin form which build up to larger vegetations. Bacterial colonies are found within the mass. Attempts to organise the vegetation occur but complete healing very rarely occurs. The mass may become ulcerated. Progression to rupure of the chordae tendinae is possible, along with spread of the infection to the adjacent mural endocardium.
+
Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.
Valves may become stenotic, incompetant or both.
 
  
Death usually results from either embolisation of the vegetation or congestive heart failure due to significant valvular damage.
+
Tilley,L.P., Smith, F.W.K, Oyama, M., Sleeper, M. (2007) '''Manual of Canine and Feline Cardiology''' ''Saunders''.
  
''Species differences:''
+
Elwood, C.M., Cobb, M.A., Stepien, R.L., (1993) Clinical and echocardiographic findings in 10 dogs with vegetative bacteria endcarditis. '''Journal of small animal practice'''. 34pp420-427.
*Cattle: predominantly affects the tricuspid valve, perhaps due to bacteria arising in the GI tract and liver. Congestive right sided failure is manifested as ascites (including '''bottle jaw''') and embolisation to the lungs. Anaemia is often present as the red blood cells are damaged as they pass through the vegetation.
 
*Pig and dog: Lesions occur particularly on the mitral valve, perhaps due to the higher pressure blood flow on the left side of the heart leading to more valvular damage. Left sided heart failure and pulmonary oedema are seen clinically, as are emboli in various organs, particularly the kidney.
 
  
===Ulcerative endocarditis===
 
  
Commonly seen along with renal failure in dogs.
+
{{review}}
Uraemia irritates and damages the endocarium, particularly in the left atrium.  Oedema is seen in the sunendocardial tissue with deposition of glycosaminoglycans. 
 
  
Healing may occur by fibrosis or the lesion may progress to a necrotising endcarditis and, in extreme cases, left atrial rupture.
+
==Webinars==
If renal sufficieny is re-established then healing of the endocardial lesion is possible.
+
<rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/cardiology/webinars/feed</rss>
  
[[Category:Endocardial_Pathology]][[Category:Cardiovascular_System_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Pig]][[Category:Sheep]]
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[[Category:Endocardial_Pathology]][[Category:Cardiovascular_System_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]][[Category:Cardiac Diseases - Cattle]][[Category:Cardiac Diseases - Pig]][[Category:Cardiovascular Diseases - Sheep]]
 +
[[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]][[Category:Expert Review - Horse]][[Category:Cardiac Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Cardiac Diseases - Horse]]
 +
[[Category:Cardiology Section]]

Latest revision as of 15:56, 5 January 2023

Introduction

Bacterial endocarditis. Courtesy of A. Jefferies

Endocarditis is defined as an inflammation of the cardiac endocardium. The infection can affect the valves (valvular endocarditis) and then spread to the heart wall (mural endocarditis). It is usually a result of a bacteraemia or pyaemia, spread from adjacent myocardium is rare. It occurs in all species and is more common in cattle, pigs and sheep than dogs and cats.

Organisms commonly isolated include:

Pathophysiology

Vegetative Endocarditis

Vegetative endocarditis (dog). Courtesy of T. Scase

It is predisposed by valvular damage as thrombi occur on the surface of the valves exposed to blood flow. Mechanical trauma can cause such damage, such as jet lesions from turbulent blood flow or endocardial injury from a catheter extending into the heart. Highly virulent bacteria or a heavy bacterial load increase the risk of cardiac infection, and normal valves can be invaded by virulent bacteria. Bacteremia is essential for the development of endocarditis. Diseases that impair immune responses or cause hypercoagulability or endothelial disruption are thought to increase the endocarditis risk. Once bacteria colonise the valvular endocardium, vegetative lesions composed of platelets and fibrin are formed on the valves. Progression to rupture of the chordae tendinae is possible, along with spread of the infection to the adjacent mural endocardium. Valves may become stenotic, incompetent or both. Congestive heart failure commonly results from valvular insufficiency and volume overload. Because the mitral and aortic valves are typically affected, pulmonary oedema is the usual manifestation. Death usually results from either embolisation of the vegetative material or congestive heart failure due to significant valvular damage. Metastatic infection of other body sites commonly occurs.

Ulcerative Endocarditis

Commonly seen along with renal failure in dogs. Uraemia irritates and damages the endocarium, particularly in the left atrium. Oedema is seen in the subendocardial tissue with deposition of glycosaminoglycans. This may progress to a necrotising endocarditis and, in extreme cases, left atrial rupture. If renal sufficiency is re-established then healing of the endocardial lesion is possible.

Species differences

Cattle: the disease predominantly affects the tricuspid valve, perhaps due to bacteria arising in the GI tract and liver. Common underlying causes include liver abscesses, traumatic reticulitis, metritis, mastitis, navel abscesses and 'joint ill'. Congestive right sided failure is manifested as ascites (including bottle jaw) and embolisation to the lungs. Anaemia is often present as the red blood cells are damaged as they pass through the vegetation.

Horse: Lesions occur mainly on the mitral valve. The site of sepsis is often not identified but may be a sequale to septic jugular thrombophlembitis.

Pig and Dog: Lesions occur particularly on the mitral valve (71% of cases in dogs), perhaps due to the higher pressure blood flow on the left side of the heart leading to more valvular damage. Left sided heart failure and pulmonary oedema are seen clinically, as are emboli in various organs, particularly the kidney.

Signalment

Endocarditis is rare in dogs but males and large breeds (e.g. German Shepherds) are most affected. Dogs with subaortic stenosis are more at risk of developing the disease. It is very rare in cats. The disease mainly affects adult cattle and young pigs. In horses, males are more commonly affected than females.

History & Clinical Signs

Clinical signs are often vague and rarely referable to congestive heart failure. The following clinical signs are seen related to sepsis:

  • Pyrexia
  • Lameness
  • Neck Pain
  • Lethargy/Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Epistaxis

Signs of embolisation to other organs may also be seen and those of congestive heart failure (dyspnoea, poor pulses, pale mucous membranes, tacchycardia, pulmonary crackles)

Physical examination

A variable murmur depending upon the valve affected. It may be noted that murmur has recently arisen or changed. Other clinical examination findings include joint effusions, lymphadenopathy, pyrexia and in advanced cases signs associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (D.I.C) such as bleeding diathesis and petechiation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be difficult but a presumptive diagnosis is made on two or more positive blood cultures in addition to either echocardiographic evidence of vegetations or valve destruction, or the documented recent onset of a regurgitant murmur.

Laboratory findings

Blood profiles: Not all cases will have altered blood changes. Possible changes include:

Haematology - Neutrophilia, left shift, monocytosis, thrombocytopaenia and prolonged clotting times if developing D.I.C.
Biochemistry - Hypoalbuminaemia and hypoglycaemia.

Urinalysis : may have proteinuria, casts, pyuria. A urinary tract infection may be present with the same organism as is responsible for the endocarditis.

Blood cultures : Requires 3-4 sterile samples collected from the jugular vein at least 1 hour apart over a 24 hour period. Negative cultures do not rule out the possibility of bacterial endocarditis.

Echocardiography

Structural abnormalities and vegetations may be visible on the valves although it is difficult to differentiate from endocardiosis.

Radiography

Radiography is often unremarkable. There may be evidence of cardiomegaly or congestive heart failure if valvular damage is chronic or severe. Evidence of a focus of infection such as discospondylitis may be visible.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

ECG may be normal. Arrhythmias detectected are often ventricular in origin (e.g. ventricular premature complexes) and represent extension of the inflammatory focus to involve the myocardium. 3rd degree heart block may be present if the AV node is affected.

Treatment

Antibiotic treatment with either a broad spectrum antibiotic or an appropriate antibiotic based on culture and sensitivity results. Antibiotics should be administered intravenously for the first 5 days of therapy followed by a prolonged course (>4 weeks) of oral medication.
Common Protocols use Ampicillin in combination with a Fluoroquinolone such as Enrofloxacin or an aminoglycoside.
Secondary problems such as septic shock, D.I.C., congestive heart failure and embolisation need to be managed. Treatments commonly include diuretics or vasodilators to control the oedema, reduce valvular regurgitation and improve cardiac output.

Prognosis

Long term prognosis is guarded to poor. Possible complications include septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, congestive heart failure and embolisation to other organs.


Endocarditis Learning Resources
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Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions
Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Q&A 01
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Literature Search
Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract
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Endocarditis publications

Endocarditis in cattle publications

Endocarditis in other veterinary species publications


References

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier.

Tilley,L.P., Smith, F.W.K, Oyama, M., Sleeper, M. (2007) Manual of Canine and Feline Cardiology Saunders.

Elwood, C.M., Cobb, M.A., Stepien, R.L., (1993) Clinical and echocardiographic findings in 10 dogs with vegetative bacteria endcarditis. Journal of small animal practice. 34, pp420-427.



Webinars

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