Various invasive medical procedures can cause bacteremia and, therefore, cause infectious endocarditis. However, empirical data in humans on the potential dangers of invasive medical procedures in this regard are very sparse. In the absence of sufficient data, it is currently debated whether the risk of endocarditis with these procedures is substantial or rather negligible. The objective of this case study was to quantify the excess risk of infectious endocarditis in association with invasive medical and surgical procedures.

The study involved 118 patients hospitalized for infectious endocarditis in the cardiology department of CHU Ibn Rochd Casablanca. The study included all invasive medical procedures in the 12 weeks preceding the onset of endocarditis; with the exception of those likely to be undertaken due to: endocarditis or septicemia or due to infections which may eventually lead to endocarditis.

112 cases of infectious endocarditis were recorded during the study period. Among which 17 patients (15.6%) had undergone invasive procedures: 47% central KT; 17.6% skin procedures; 11.8% pacemaker; 23.6% endoscopy; insertion of IUD and dental prosthesis.

This study suggests that several invasive medical procedures are associated with a markedly increased risk of infectious endocarditis.