Multimodality Imaging in Infective Endocarditis: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition with a rising incidence, demanding rapid and precise diagnosis. While echocardiography remains the cornerstone of initial evaluation, its limitations in complex cases-such as those involving prosthetic valves or cardiac devices-are well-known. This review synthesizes current evidence and guidelines to outline a practical, multimodality imaging approach for IE. We emphasize that integrating advanced techniques like cardiac computed tomography (CT) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) early in the diagnostic pathway, particularly in high-risk scenarios, significantly enhances diagnostic certainty, guides therapeutic decisions, and improves patient outcomes. A tailored imaging strategy, driven by clinical presentation and integrated within a multidisciplinary endocarditis team, is paramount for modern IE management.
Authors
- Di Eusanio Marco
- F Patani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9406-5264)
- L. Simone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7982-975X)
- Dello Russo Antonio
- Tarsi Giovanni
- Marco Fogante (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2993-5718)
- Leonardo Brugiatelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8413-9701)
- Carla Lofiego
- Furlani Giulia
- K Maurizi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2196-5540)
- B Martina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4980-4619)
- Marco Marini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2165-556X)
- Matteo Francioni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7798-1351)
- Pongetti Giulia
- Emilio A Paolini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6724-9001)
- Chiara Giannitti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8858-6362)
- S Nicolò
- Natalia Marco
- Massari Arianna
- Anselmi Benedetta
- Vagnarelli Fabio
- Capodaglio Irene
Institutions
- Marche Polytechnic University (IT)
- San Salvatore Hospital (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Medicina
- Published
- 2025-12-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122241
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35