Multimodality Imaging in Infective Endocarditis: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis.

ABSTRACT: 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 str

SUBMITTER: Brugiatelli L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12735077 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature