endokardiittiin

Endokardiittiin is the Finnish term for endocarditis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, also known as the endocardium. This condition most commonly affects the heart valves, but can also involve other parts of the endocardium or even prosthetic devices within the heart.

The primary cause of endocarditis is infection, usually by bacteria, but fungi or other microorganisms can also be responsible. These pathogens typically enter the bloodstream through various routes, such as dental procedures, intravenous drug use, or infections elsewhere in the body. Once in the bloodstream, they can attach to damaged or abnormal heart valves, or to artificial heart valves, forming vegetations. These vegetations are clumps of microorganisms, blood cells, and fibrin.

Symptoms of endocarditis can vary and may develop gradually or suddenly. Common signs include fever, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and unexplained weight loss. Heart murmurs may also develop or change. Complications can be serious and include heart valve damage, heart failure, and the formation of emboli, which are fragments of the vegetations that can travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing strokes or damage to organs like the spleen or kidneys.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood cultures to identify the causative organism, and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to visualize vegetations and assess valve function. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antibiotics administered intravenously, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves. Prevention is important, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or prosthetic valves, and may involve antibiotic prophylaxis before certain medical or dental procedures.