The Yield of Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

CONCLUSION:This study is the first to suggest that despite the high prevalence of Viridans Group Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus in patients with AML undergoing chemotherapy, echocardiographic findings of IE in these patients are rare, with the notable exception of Enterococcal and Non-HACEK gram negative organisms. In contrast, in the general population, Viridans Group Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus and bacteremia are associated with IE in 20% and 63% %, respectively (Westling 2009, Rasmussen 2011). The low incidence in our cohort may be attributed to impaired fibrin-platelet deposition in these patients with inability to mount a vegetation response, or the early initiation of broad spectrum antibiotics. Given these findings, the value of routine echocardiography should be questioned in patients with AML without other clinical features of IE.DisclosuresSandhu: Bioverativ: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Brandwein: Pfizer: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Lundbeck: Consultancy.
Source: Blood - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: 613. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical Studies Source Type: research