Endocarditis and ventricular septal defect: surgical vs. conservative treatment.

Three patients with ventricular septal defect and bacterial endocarditis are reported. Because of the very frequent spontaneous closure of the defect, especially in children, and the rarity and benign nature of bacterial endocarditis superimposed on ventricular septal defect, it is suggested that the condition be treated conservatively. An exception to this is the rare case with recurrent endocarditis, mainly in older individuals, in whom surgery may be contemplated.