Infective endocarditis (IE) as well as septicemia in patients with implanted cardiac devices are severe diseases and diagnosis is often delayed due to a variety of misleading symptoms. Imaging with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and also microbiology play a key role in both the diagnosis and management. They are also useful for the prognostic assessment of patients with IE, for follow-up during treatment, during extraction of the implant and after surgery. In addition to antibiotic treatment, removal of the implant is also necessary, at least if vegetation is detected. Not only the removal of the implant but also the underlying cardiac disease, the frequently occurring severe cardiac insufficiency, the advanced age and the not uncommon high degree of fragility of the patients mean that decision making for treatment and management as well as renewed implantation after completion of treatment are a challenge. The optimal treatment is only possible with a close cooperation between various specialist disciplines and should therefore be carried out in experienced centers.
Keywords: Bacterial endocarditis; Cardiac implants; Morbidity; Septicemia; Transesophageal echocardiography.