CONGENITAL VALVULAR DISEASE AND INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS

Congenital heart disease is increasingly encountered in adults. Mitral valve prolapse is a common congenital valvular abnormality that typically presents in adulthood. Our understanding of the mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and clinical significance of this syndrome is constantly evolving. Pulmonary stenosis and Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve are less common congenital valvular abnormalities which now have improved survival into adulthood owing to recent advances in treatment and management. Infective endocarditis is a devastating complication of valvular heart disease. Improved diagnosis (with early recognition of associated complications) and treatment have decreased mortality and morbidity. This review focuses on the recent literature in congenital valvular abnormalities and infective endocarditis.