Clinical Case Database / Category: Clinical Care

Infective endocarditis: how immunology tests may help or mislead

Publication details

John Maher MRCPI MRCP MSc PhD FRCPath
Foundation Years Journal, volume 5, issue 2, p.57 (123Doc Education, London, March 2011)

Abstract

Immunopathology plays an important role in infective endocarditis. In this context, two cases are presented here. In both patients, several abnormal immunological test results were obtained. Some findings were typical, whereas others were unanticipated and potentially misleading. Failure to interpret such findings correctly could lead to selection of inappropriate and potentially highly dangerous treatment. Pitfalls associated with immunological testing in this model of chronic infection are discussed. The need for clinicopathological liaison in the interpretation of diagnostic results is emphasized.

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Authors

John Maher MRCPI MRCP MSc PhD FRCPath

Senior Lecturer in Immunology
Research Oncology
Hon Consultant
Allergy & Clinical Immunology

References

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