Etymed
endocarditis
Definition
inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers (endocardium)
Clinical context
A 23-year-old IV drug user presents with fever, fatigue, and new-onset heart murmur. Echocardiogram reveals vegetations on the tricuspid valve. Blood cultures grow Streptococcus viridans. The patient is diagnosed with subacute bacterial endocarditis secondary to intravenous drug use.
Mnemonic
ENDOcarditis = E(ndocardium) N(disease) D(isease) - Inflammation of the inner heart lining