EchoBridge Pearl #22: Sonographic Diagnosis of Endocarditis

On echocardiography, infective endocarditis typically appears as an echogenic mass (vegetation) attached to the valve that moves independently of the valve leaflets. Vegetations most commonly arise along the coaptation line on the lower-pressure side of the valve.

After identifying a vegetation, carefully evaluate the valve for leaflet thickening, abnormal coaptation, chordal rupture, or prolapse, as these associated findings may indicate more advanced valvular destruction.

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