bacterial endocarditis

[infection occuring when bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia) adhere to abnormal heart valves or other damaged heart tissue; characterized by growths, known as vegetations, on the valves or other areas of the heart which can break off, travel to other parts of the body, and cause serious complications; a common causative bacteria is staphylococcus, but any organism entering the bloodstream from any site of prior infection can result in the infection. ( CSP )]

UMLS (CSP) C0014121