Verrucous endocarditis is a medical term used to describe a rare heart condition. The word is pronounced /vəˈrukəs ˌendəˌkärdīˈtis/ with emphasis on the second syllable of both words. The first word is spelled with a double r and a double c, while the second word is spelled with the letters e-n-d-o-c-a-r-d-i-t-i-s. Verrucous endocarditis refers to the presence of wart-like growths on the heart valves, which can lead to infections and serious complications if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing this condition.
Verrucous endocarditis is a medical term used to describe a rare condition characterized by the formation of wart-like growths or abnormalities on the inner lining of the heart valves. This condition most commonly affects the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and ventricle, but can also involve other heart valves.
The word "verrucous" derives from the Latin term "verruca," meaning wart. In this context, it denotes the appearance of irregular, protuberant, or crusty lesions resembling warts that develop on the endocardium, the innermost layer of the heart. These growths or vegetations result from the accumulation of fibrin, platelets, bacteria, and inflammatory cells.
Verrucous endocarditis is primarily caused by bacterial infections, most commonly due to underlying conditions, such as rheumatic fever, intravenous drug use, or prosthetic heart valves. The condition may also arise as a complication of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
Symptoms of verrucous endocarditis are often nonspecific and can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and symptoms related to heart valve dysfunction, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations. Left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, embolism (clot formation), or sepsis.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging modalities like echocardiography. Management typically consists of a combination of antimicrobial therapy to eradicate the underlying infection and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
In summary, verrucous endocarditis refers to the formation of wart-like growths
Vegetative e.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "verrucous endocarditis" can be broken down into two parts: "verrucous" and "endocarditis".
"Verrucous" is derived from the Latin word "verruca", meaning "wart". It refers to a rough, wart-like appearance or texture.
"Endocarditis" is a medical term derived from Greek. "Endo-" means "within" or "inside", and "card" refers to the heart. "Itis" is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. Therefore, "endocarditis" refers to inflammation or infection within the lining of the heart, specifically the endocardium.
Thus, "verrucous endocarditis" describes a condition in which the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, becomes inflamed and exhibits a wart-like appearance or texture.