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Doctors might suspect endocarditis in people with a history of:
- Congenital heart disease
- Intravenous drug use
- Recent dental work
- Rheumatic fever
Physical examination may reveal an enlarged spleen.
The health care provider may detect a new heart murmur, or a change in a previous heart murmur. Examination of the nails may show splinter hemorrhages.
Eye examination may show retinal hemorrhages with a central area of clearing (called Roth's spots), and small, pinpoint hemorrhages (petechiae) in the conjunctiva. The fingertips may become enlarged, and the nails may curve (clubbing).
Tests:
- CBC to check for anemia
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Repeated blood culture and sensitivity
- Serology
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
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