CVS PATHO NOTES

 

What is Acute Endocarditis?

Acute endocarditis is typically caused by a highly virulent organism that infects a previously normal heart valve resulting in the rapid development of necrotizing and destructive lesions. The commonest causative agent isolated from heart valves that are affected by acute endocarditis is Staphylococcus aureus. Acute endocarditis is difficult to be cured with antibiotics alone and require surgical removal of the vegetations most of the time. Acute endocarditis is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, malaise, chills, and lastitude.

What is Subacute Endocarditis?

Subacute endocarditis is due to the infection of previously damaged cardiac valves by low virulent bacteria such as Viridans streptococci. There is only a minimal destruction of the cardiac valves.

Reference:differencebetween.com

What is the Difference Between Acute and Subacute Endocarditis?

Acute Endocarditis vs Subacute Endocarditis
Acute endocarditis is typically caused by a highly virulent organism that infects a previously normal heart valve resulting in the rapid development of necrotizing and destructive lesions.	Subacute endocarditis is due to the infection of previously damaged cardiac valves by low virulent bacteria such as Viridans streptococci.
Cause
Acute endocarditis is caused by organisms with a high virulence.	Subacute endocarditis is caused by organisms with a low virulence.
Affected Valves
Previously normal cardiac valves are also affected.	Subacute endocarditis affects previously damaged cardiac valves only.
Therapy
Antibiotic therapy alone is not sufficient to cure acute endocarditis. Surgical removal of the vegetation is necessary to have a successful outcome.	Antibiotic therapy can cure subacute endocarditis completely.
Symptoms
There is a rapid onset of symptoms.	Symptoms develop over a protracted period of time