Triphasic waves in endocarditis.

A 45 year old woman with probable bacterial endocarditis was admitted to hospital having presented with a deteriorating level of consciousness and a febrile illness. Among the numerous investigations she underwent was an EEG which showed classical triphasic waves at the peak of her illness, and which reverted to normal as did the patient after treatment with antibiotics. The association between triphasic waves and bacterial endocarditis has never been previously reported.