Infective Endocarditis Involving Apparently Structurally Normal Valves in Patients Without Previously Recognized Predisposing Heart Disease

Group 1 was characterized by higher age, higher rates of diabetes and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, larger vegetation size, higher EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) II, more frequent involvement of the aortic and tricuspid valve, and higher rates of IE with staphylococci and enterococci (Table 1). Structurally normal valves do not necessarily mean free of regurgitation or abnormal turbulence and, given the dynamic nature and fluctuating leading condition in poorly controlled hypertension, end-stage renal disease, or sleep apnea, further investigation is necessary to evaluate the potential role of these hemodynamic features on the risk for development of IE.