Successful antibiotic therapy in early prosthetic valve endocarditis with large vegetation

Abstract

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a fearful complication of cardiac valve replacement surgery. Compared with the late presentation, early PVE is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite significant improvement in our understanding regarding the treatment of native valve endocarditis, the optimal treatment for PVE is still a matter of debate. There is still no clear agreement whether to choose surgery or medication as the best therapeutic option for PVE patient. Furthermore, the timing of surgery for PVE has not yet been defined.