Diffuse endocarditis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Diffuse endocarditis (or e. diffusa) is a serious disease that is characterized by inflammation of the endocardium (the inner layer of the heart). Unlike endocarditis, which affects only the heart valves, diffuse endocarditis can affect all endocardial structures, including the valve leaflets, cardiac chamber walls, and septa.
The causes of diffuse endocarditis can be different. One of the most common risk factors is the presence of other infectious diseases, such as rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis. In addition, an increased risk occurs in people with impaired immune systems, as well as in those who use drugs.
Symptoms of diffuse endocarditis may include:
- Fever, chills and sweating;
- Chest pain;
- Shortness of breath and fatigue;
- Joint pain;
- Edema.
Diagnosis of this disease can be difficult as symptoms may be nonspecific and similar to those of other diseases. To confirm the diagnosis, various laboratory and instrumental tests may be required, such as blood tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment for diffuse endocarditis may include the use of antibiotics to fight infection, as well as surgery to repair damaged heart structures. In some cases, heart valves may need to be replaced or the heart septum repaired. In addition, patients are advised to follow a diet limited in animal fats and salt to reduce the strain on the heart.
Overall, it is important to know that diffuse endocarditis is a serious disease that can lead to serious consequences, including cardiac dysfunction, infectious complications and even death. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help when symptoms appear to begin treatment as early as possible.
Endocarditis is inflammation of the lining of the heart. It consists of three layers: connective tissue stroma, loose connective tissue and single-layer epithelium. The most vulnerable part is the endothelium, which consists of the inner layer. The disease is often called “heart valve disease” or “cutaneous infarction.”
Statistics: In Russia, VKO is diagnosed annually in 0.1% of the population, mainly in adults from 30 to 60 years of age (typical age is 40–50 years). The incidence of development in the first three months of hospitalization reaches 20%; at the time of detection of VKO, 25% die. The percentage of patients who require surgical treatment reaches 19%. There is an increase in the incidence of VKO worldwide. So, if in 1970 the number of newly diagnosed endocarditis was only 1 per 1 thousand population, then by the end of this century the same figure was 2 per 1 thousand. Worldwide. Natives of European and North American countries are most susceptible to this disease (the USA is the most affected country). Men aged 30-60 years of age most often get sick, women get sick less often. Almost all cases of acquired diseases occur in the third or fourth decade of life. More than 90% of patients had previously suffered VCO within six months after a stroke or major heart surgery. There has been a decrease in cases of the disease among people under 35 years of age. The outcome of treatment is complicated by the fact that complications are observed in 72% of cases. Mortality due to VKO reaches 9%. Due to untimely diagnosis and provision of therapeutic care, about