Neurologic Complications of Bacterial Endocarditis

Abstract

Significant neurologic manifestations occur in about one-fourth to one-third of patients with subacute bacterial endocarditis; however, the exact incidence is not known. Almost none of the neurologic manifestations are typical of the disease. For the most part they could be evidence of other processes. The clues to the presence of bacterial endocarditis come from the complete clinical-laboratory picture. Exceptions are changes in the fundus oculi, seen in about one of five patients.