Percutaneous pulmonary valve endocarditis: incidence, prevention and management.

The epidemiology of infective endocarditis is changing rapidly due to the emergence of resistant microorganisms, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and an increase in the implantation of cardiovascular devices including percutaneous valves. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation has achieved standard of care for the management of certain patients with right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. With its expanding use, several cases of early and delayed infective endocarditis with higher morbidity and mortality rates have been reported. This review summarizes the trends in percutaneous pulmonary valve infective endocarditis, postulates proposed mechanisms, and elaborates on the prevention and management of this unique and potentially fatal complication.