Final answer:
Vegetative lesions in subacute bacterial endocarditis are tissue-associated bacterial clusters forming on heart valves. They can cause valve damage, leading potentially to replacement, and are diagnosed through blood cultures and echocardiograms. Pericarditis and endocarditis are inflammatory conditions affecting the heart's surrounding tissues and are diagnosed with various clinical exams.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vegetative lesions are patches of tissue-associated bacteria, also known as vegetations, occurring in subacute bacterial endocarditis. These vegetations form on the heart valves as blood clots that protect the bacteria from immune defenses, leading to potential damage, including fibrosis of the heart valves and possibly necessitate valve replacement. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis usually involves a combination of blood cultures, echocardiograms, and observation of clinical symptoms.
Endocarditis and Pericarditis
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium, which can be caused by various bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Risk factors include prior heart damage, prosthetic valves, and a history of rheumatic fever. On the other hand, acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart and can be diagnosed through chest radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other clinical examinations. It is often self-limiting and may not require extensive clinical intervention. For bacterial infections, antibacterial medications are prescribed.
Vasculitis and Carditis
Additionally, vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, potentially leading to ischemia or tissue necrosis, and carditis includes various heart inflammations, such as rheumatic fever, which may cause valvular disorders.