endocardium inflammation

Endocardium inflammation, or endocarditis in the broad sense, means an inflammatory process affecting the heart's innermost lining and the valve surfaces that are continuous with it. The endocardium is the smooth inner coat of the chambers and valves, so inflammation here tends to show up first as valve dysfunction.

Endocarditis comes in two broad families. Infective endocarditis is caused by microbes settling on the lining and building vegetations. Non-infective, or sterile, endocarditis is driven by immune or inflammatory processes without active infection, as in rheumatic carditis and in the Libman-Sacks endocarditis associated with lupus. In each, the inflamed valve can leak, narrow, or shed material into the circulation.

Because the endocardium lines the high-flow, high-pressure surfaces inside the heart, any roughening or vegetation can disturb blood flow and provide a foothold for clot or infection. Diagnosis and treatment depend heavily on whether the cause is infectious; this entry serves as the general umbrella under which the specific conditions in this field are organised.