Aorto-cavitary fistulous tract formation in infective endocarditis: clinical and echocardiographic features of 76 cases and risk factors for mortality

Abstract

Aorto-cavitary fistulous tract formation is an uncommon but extremely serious complication of IE. In-hospital mortality was exceptionally high despite aggressive management with surgical intervention in the majority of patients. Prosthetic IE, urgent surgery, and the development of HF identify the subgroup of patients with IE and ACF that have significantly increased risk of in-hospital death.