Infective Endocarditis Missed in A&E
The symptoms exhibited by a patient with infective endocarditis may mean that it is easily misdiagnosed but a failure to suspect this infection of the heart can prove fatal.
The impact of a failure to treat infective endocarditis
A patient who is suffering with infective endocarditis but whose condition remains undiagnosed and untreated risks further complications. As the flow of blood through the heart is compromised by this infection, the patient is at risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart failure.
The impact of both of these conditions can be life-changing and, indeed, life-threatening.
Where the patient survives a stroke, their life can be severely limited by its impact and the patient can lose their independence and ability to work.
Clearly, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial to the patient's long-term well-being.
Symptoms of infective endocarditis
A patient attending A & E with the following symptoms may be misdiagnosed but taking a detailed patient history can increase the suspicion that the patient is suffering with infective endocarditis:
- High temperature
- Weight loss
- Low energy levels
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Night sweats
Certain categories of patient are also more likely to develop infective endocarditis and these characteristics should be taken into consideration. Patients who have recently undergone heart surgery or who are known to have a pre-existing heart condition may be more susceptible to infective endocarditis, as are those who have already suffered with the condition. It is quite likely that the patient is suffering from a heart murmur and checks should be undertaken to confirm this.
Men are more likely to develop the condition as are people over 50.
A patient who has suffered a stroke may be found to be suffering with undiagnosed infective endocarditis.
The patient may need to undergo blood tests, a CT scan and may require an ECG.
Medical negligence
Given the potential severity of the condition when untreated, investigating those patients who may be suspected of having infective endocarditis could be considered as imperative.
A failure to consider infective endocarditis in a patient attending A & E with flu-like symptoms, especially where additional factors may indicate an infection of the heart, may be considered to have been negligent.
Contact a solicitor today
If you or a loved one are suffering the debilitating, long-term effects of infective endocarditis due to a failure by A & E professionals to investigate your symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Call us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation. We will be happy to advise you.
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