24th June 2026

Complications

There are many possible complications of IE, some related to the progression of the condition, and others related to its treatment.

Complications related to septic emboli and spread of infection

• Mycotic aneurysm formation
• Metastatic abscesses: most commonly occur in the kidneys, spleen, brain, and soft tissues
• Stroke
• Septic arthritis
• Vertebral osteomyelitis
• Meningitis – patients with staph aureus IE are particularly susceptible to this
• Pneumonia, lung abscess and pleural effusions

Complications related to treatment 

• Glomerulonephritis
• Acute interstitial nephritis

Other complications

• Heart failure
• Valvular incompetence
• Pericarditis
• Encephalopathy
• Meningoencephalitis
• Cerebral haemorrhage (secondary to stroke or aneurysm formation)