Open AccessA review of the role of anticoagulation for patients with infective endocarditis and embolic stroke
Author(s) -
Preston Arfah Hazel,
Williams Stefan,
Archer Judy
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2050-0904
DOI - 10.1002/ccr3.556
Subject(s) - medicine , infective endocarditis , endocarditis , embolic stroke , stroke (engine) , warfarin , intensive care medicine , randomized controlled trial , complication , embolism , antibiotics , surgery , ischemic stroke , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , ischemia , mechanical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , engineering
Key Clinical Message Stroke is a common embolic complication of infective endocarditis. The most important treatment to prevent stroke in endocarditis is the initiation of antibiotic therapy. It is unclear whether the initiation of de novo anticoagulation (i.e, warfarin) in patients with infective endocarditis is beneficial, since there are no large or randomized controlled trials in this area. However, this case report suggests, despite the limited evidence, that anticoagulation in this patient caused no harm and could suggest a hint of possible benefit.