Endocarditis Lenta is a medical condition that affects the inner lining of the heart. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɛndokɑrdaitis lɛntə/. The first part, "Endocarditis," is pronounced as "en-doh-kahr-dahy-tis," with the stress on the second syllable. The second part, "Lenta," is pronounced as "len-tuh," with the stress on the first syllable. This condition is considered a serious health issue, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications.
Endocarditis lenta is a medical term used to describe a specific type of endocarditis, which is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. This condition, also known as subacute bacterial endocarditis, is characterized by a slower and more indolent progression compared to acute endocarditis.
Endocarditis lenta is typically caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream, commonly through dental procedures, intravenous drug use, or infections in other parts of the body. The bacteria then adhere to the damaged or abnormal heart valves, forming small clumps called vegetations. These vegetations can impair the normal functioning of the heart valves, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, weight loss, and anemia. If left untreated, endocarditis lenta can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, valve damage, stroke, or death.
Diagnosing endocarditis lenta often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, echocardiography, and cultures of blood or other tissues. Treatment typically involves a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics, which may need to be adjusted based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Given its slower progression, endocarditis lenta requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications. It is important for individuals at higher risk, such as those with pre-existing heart conditions or a history of endocarditis, to maintain good oral hygiene and seek appropriate medical care if they experience symptoms of endocarditis.
A mild form of e., often associated with the presence of Streptococcus viridans.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "endocarditis lenta" is a medical term which combines two Latin words: "endocarditis" and "lenta".
1. Endocarditis: The term "endocarditis" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "endo", meaning "within" or "inner", and "kardia", meaning "heart". It refers to the inflammation or infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The word "endocarditis" was first used in the mid-19th century to describe this condition.
2. Lenta: The word "lenta" is a Latin adjective that means "slow" or "sluggish". It is derived from the Latin verb "lentus", which also means "slow" or "gentle".