What role does echocardiography play in the evaluation of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia?
Echocardiography plays an important role in the evaluation of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. According to a study by Fowler et al., echocardiography helped to identify the source of infection in 103 patients with bacteremia. Furthermore, echocardiography can also be used to evaluate the presence of endocarditis and other cardiac complications associated with the infection. Additionally, echocardiography can help to detect pacemaker lead-associated masses, which may be indicative of infection. Finally, echocardiography can also be used to assess the response to treatment.