Abstract

ABSTRACTWe reviewed and analyzed 18 cases of bacterial endocarditis (15 surgically proven, three diagnosed clinically) to evaluate its manifestations on chest roentgenograms. Five cases involved the aortic valve, four the mitral, six both mitral and aortic, and three the tricuspid and pulmonic valves. No roentgenographic findings were specific for the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis, though multiple septic pulmonary emboli were found in all three cases of right-sided endocarditis. Also, findings of congestive heart failure were common in patients with left-sided endocarditis.