Abstract

AbstractFifteen cases of endocarditis in “mainlining” drug addicts are reported. The organism most frequently cultured in this series was Staphylococcus, and the tricuspid was the valve most frequently affected. Attention is focused on the frequency of pulmonic disease as the presenting symptom of endocarditis in drug addicts. Emphasis is placed on early recognition of characteristic presentation, and early institution of adequate antibiotic therapy. Also mentioned is the wide range of organisms capable of producing infective endocarditis in the drug addict.