Septic embolism complicating infective endocarditis.

Embolic phenomena in patients with infective endocarditis may complicate the placement of a cardiac valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the vascular consequences of these emboli, a 15-year review of 102 patients undergoing valve replacement for proven infective endocarditis was undertaken. Thirty-one patients with 36 episodes of septic embolization were identified. Ten of these were separate extremity occlusive events. All patients with extremity emboli were admitted with pain; four had limb-threatening emboli. All patients grew gram-positive bacteria from their blood except a single Candida albicans isolate. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy was used in all patients. Angiography confirmed the diagnosis in 11 of 12 patients. Embolic targets included the lower extremities in all except a single instance. Four patients had multiple emboli. All but one of the vascular procedures were carried out subsequent to or simultaneously with cardiac valve replacement. Initial operative management included embolectomy (4) and primary amputation (2). Two delayed procedures were required. One patient died. Four patients had limited ischemia that resolved with antibiotics and anticoagulation. This report suggests that infective endocarditis requiring valvular replacement is associated with embolization in one third of patients. The presentation of peripheral vascular emboli is that of acute extremity ischemia. The diagnosis should be confirmed by angiography to rule out the possibility of multiple emboli. When possible, valve replacement should precede peripheral vascular management, which may include operative or medical components as dictated by the extent of limb ischemia.