Echocardiography has low utility in cancer patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: findings from a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: To describe the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) detected on echocardiography in cancer patients with confirmed Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). Methods: We retrospectively identified 95 cases of SAB in cancer patients from January 2007–March 2016. Echocardiography was ordered at the discretion of the treating team, and positive findings defined according to the Modified Duke Criteria. Complicated bacteraemia was defined by prolonged bacteraemia, presence of intracardiac device/prosthetic valve, or signs of metastatic infection. Results: Major predisposing risk factors for IE (intracardiac device, prosthetic valve, valvular disease, diabetes mellitus, renal dialysis) wer..