Case Series: Clinical Heterogeneity of Infective Endocarditis (IE)

Dr Arulanandhan Ettiyan, Dr. Sureshkumar Ponnuswamy

Abstract: Aim: To highlight the clinical diversity of infective endocarditis for early diagnosis and effective management, ultimately improving clinical outcomes. This case series presents three patients with varied presentations and complications of IE. Infective endocarditis (IE) continues to challenge clinicians due to its unpredictable presentation and diverse clinical course. This case series walks us through three distinctly different patient profiles-ranging from a middle-aged man with dual-valve involvement to a young girl with congenital heart disease, and a young adult suffering from MRSA-induced endocarditis. What stands out, in my view, is how each case unfolds with a unique pattern of valve involvement, microbial agents, and systemic complications, yet all benefit from a timely diagnostic strategy rooted in clinical suspicion, echocardiography, and targeted blood cultures. It is evident that despite varying severity and etiology, the unifying thread lies in the swift administration of pathogen-specific intravenous antibiotics, which played a decisive role in stabilizing each patient. This suggests that early recognition and intervention-though seemingly straightforward-remain the linchpin in curbing morbidity. Taking this further, the cases subtly remind us that behind each infection is a story of missed prophylaxis, pre-existing defects, or microbial resistance-factors we often overlook in routine care. By drawing attention to the spectrum of IE manifestations, this series reinforces the importance of a vigilant, structured diagnostic lens and calls for clinicians to be consistently alert to atypical signs in vulnerable patients.

Keywords: infective endocarditis, case series, clinical variability, early diagnosis, intravenous antibiotics

How to Cite?: Dr Arulanandhan Ettiyan, Dr. Sureshkumar Ponnuswamy, "Case Series: Clinical Heterogeneity of Infective Endocarditis (IE)", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 114-115, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25731182012, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25731182012