Does a focal neurologic deficit contraindicate operation in a patient with endocarditis?
Parrino PE; Kron IL; Ross SD; Shockey KS; Kron AM; Towler MA; Tribble CG Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA. BACKGROUND: As many as 40% of patients with left-sided bacterial endocarditis will sustain a neurologic insult. The importance of a neurologic change as an indication or a contraindication for valve replacement remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 33 patients admitted to the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center between January 1, 1978, and June 30, 1996, with a diagnosis of endocarditis and a neurologic change.
