[Infective endocarditis as cardiovascular emergency].

Infective endocarditis is an infection of cardiovascular structures which is typically caused by bacteria. Despite recent medical advances mortality reaches up to 26% which is even higher with mortality rates of up to 84% in complex cases leading to admission to intensive care units. The diagnosis is based on positive blood culture results with identical microorganisms and the demonstration of endocardial involvement. A rapid initiation of an adequate therapeutic regimen is important to prevent the patients from severe complications such as heart failure, uncontrolled infection or septic embolism. An early and targeted initiation of an antibiotic therapy after microbiologic testing is crucial for therapeutic success. The immediate cooperation of Cardiologists, Microbiologists, Infectious Disease Specialists and Cardiac Surgeons is highly recommended to allow an adequate medical and surgical treatment without delay in complex cases. Antibiotic treatment has to be continued postoperatively.