VEGETATIVE ENDOCARDITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Vegetative endocarditis, also known as infective endocarditis or bacterial endocarditis, is a rare and serious infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. It is characterized by the formation of vegetations, which are abnormal growths consisting of a combination of fibrin, platelets, and microorganisms, on the heart valves or other endocardial structures.
This medical condition typically occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged or abnormal areas within the heart. These microorganisms can originate from various sources, such as dental procedures, intravenous drug use, or infections in other parts of the body. Once they settle in the heart, they start to multiply and form vegetations that can grow in size over time.
The presence of vegetations can lead to several complications, including valvular damage, abscess formation, heart failure, and embolization (where fragments of vegetation can break off and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body). Vegetative endocarditis often presents with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, weight loss, and various cardiac symptoms depending on the affected valve.
Diagnostic procedures, such as blood cultures, echocardiography, and other imaging tests, are essential in confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the infectious microorganisms and, if necessary, surgical intervention to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
In conclusion, vegetative endocarditis is a severe infection of the heart's inner lining and valves, characterized by the formation of vegetations. It requires prompt diagnosis and an aggressive treatment approach to minimize complications and improve the patient's outcomes.
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E. Associated with the presence of fibrinous clots forming on the ulcerated surfaces of the valves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VEGETATIVE ENDOCARDITIS
- cegetative endocarditis
- begetative endocarditis
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- fegetative endocarditis
- vwgetative endocarditis
- vsgetative endocarditis
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- vrgetative endocarditis
- v4getative endocarditis
- v3getative endocarditis
- vefetative endocarditis
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- veyetative endocarditis
- vetetative endocarditis
- vegwtative endocarditis
- vegstative endocarditis
- vegdtative endocarditis
- vegrtative endocarditis
Etymology of VEGETATIVE ENDOCARDITIS
The word "vegetative endocarditis" has a direct etymological relation to its components.
1. Vegetative: The term "vegetative" is derived from the Latin word "vegetativus", which means "pertaining to growth or development". In this context, it refers to the abnormal growth of tissue within the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart.
2. Endocarditis: "Endocarditis" is composed of two Greek roots. "Endo-" means "within" or "inside", while "card-" refers to the heart. The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation. Therefore, endocarditis signifies inflammation within the heart, specifically in the endocardium.
Combining these components, "vegetative endocarditis" refers to a condition where abnormal tissue growth (vegetations) occurs within the inner lining of the heart, leading to inflammation.
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