Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis at the University of Minnesota Hospital, 1939 through 1959

Abstract

Subacute bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the valvular or mural endocardium, or of both, is usually considered to be caused by a microorganism of low virulence that results in the clinical signs of a chronic infection. Adequate treatment is available and is effective if instituted early in the course of the disease. Prompt diagnosis is imperative. This paper focuses attention on this potentially fatal infection. The University of Minnesota Hospital record of each patient said to have bacterial endocarditis in the 20-year period January 1, 1939 to December 31, 1959 was reviewed. There were 238 patients with this diagnosis.