What is periannular extension of infection?
Periannular extension of infection is a condition in which infections break through an annulus and spread into contiguous tissue, commonly occurring in aortic NVE. It can lead to perivalvular abscesses and, in some cases, progressive periannular infection that can disrupt the ventricular-aortic continuity or the mitral-aortic trigone. Periannular extension of infection is associated with a higher mortality rate, more frequent development of heart failure, and more frequent need for cardiac surgery.