Erkrankungen des Endokards

Strict case definitions were applied to 123 clinically diagnosed cases of infective endocarditis. Cases were categorized as definite (19), probable (44), or possible (41) endocarditis or were rejected (19). Compared to other published studies, our patients had an advanced mean age (57), high incidence of underlying valvular disease (66%), short mean duration of symptoms (27 days), and 15% mortality, the lowest reported for a large series. Most cases were caused by viridans streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, or enterococci; Enterobacteriacae were absent, and negative cultures infrequent (5%). Subgroups included nosocomial endocarditis (13%), usually with underlying valvular disease and invasive procedures; prosthesis endocarditis (12%); and cases requiring cardiac surgery (18%). Deaths were caused by heart failure, neurologic events, or superinfection. Strict definitions are useful in managing suspect cases, and are essential in comparing clinical studies. Early recognition and treatment should be the focus of efforts to reduce mortality from endocarditis.

We describe an outbreak of acute rheumatic fever that occurred in the intermountain area centered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Seventy-four children meeting the modified Jones criteria for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever were evaluated by the staff at Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, from January 1985 through June 1986. This represents an eightfold increase over the average annual incidence at this hospital during the past decade. Carditis, a dominant feature of the outbreak, was confirmed by auscultation in 53 of the patients (72 percent). An additional 14 patients were found to have mitral regurgitation by Doppler ultrasound examination, raising the total incidence of carditis to 91 percent. The children were predominantly from white (96 percent) middle-class families with above-average incomes and with ready access to medical care. There was no apparent increase in the incidence of streptococcal disease or other explanation for the marked increase in acute rheumatic fever. However, mucoid M type 18 and M type 3 group A streptococcal strains were isolated from several siblings of the patients and from schoolchildren (chosen at random) in the area. We conclude that acute rheumatic fever remains an important health problem in the United States.