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Cerebrovascular complications (CVCs) — particularly cerebral embolization from infected valvular vegetations — are common among patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) and portend a worse prognosis. Routine screening for CVCs has been suggested for IE patients, especially before valve surgery, whether or not they have neurologic symptoms. To address this issue, investigators in Sweden examined the incidence of IE-associated CVCs and the risk factors associated with their development.
The study involved 60 patients with high clinical suspicion of IE, regardless of neurologic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography of the brain was performed during the first 10 days of treatment and again 2 to 3 months la…