Evaluating Imaging Modalities in the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis

Infectious endocarditis (IE) represents a severe medical condition marked by infectious inflammation of the heart's inner tissues, primarily affecting the valves. Despite its relative rarity, IE's severe implications involving high morbidity and mortality rates dictate the necessity of precise diagnostic processes. Historically dependent on the modified Duke criteria, the field has noted limitations in these criteria, particularly in the sensitivity of detecting prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and culture-negative endocarditis.

This Research Topic aims to critically assess the efficacy and specificity of various imaging modalities in diagnosing IE, enhancing early detection and improving patient outcomes. The focus is to substantiate the preliminary findings of modern imaging tools such as 18F-FDG PET/CT and labeled leukocyte scintigraphy, which show promise but require clearer validation through rigorous study.

To gather further insights in the dynamic capabilities of imaging technologies in IE diagnosis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Comparative sensitivity and specificity of TTE and TOE in NVE vs. PVE
• The effectiveness of TOE in the detection of IE vegetations
• Clinical impacts of 18F-FDG PET/CT and labeled leukocyte scintigraphy on the diagnosis of IE
• Assessment of imaging modalities in monitoring therapeutic response
• Technological advancements and future prospects in IE imaging

Through this detailed exploration, the Topic seeks to illuminate discrepancies in diagnostic accuracies and push forward the integration of these advancements into clinical practice.