Infective endocarditis: still a challenge for paediatricians and cardiologists – a case report

Infective endocarditis is an inflammatory disease affecting the innermost layer of the heart wall, which continues to pose a significant medical challenge for physicians. Due to the dynamic development of cardiology and cardiac surgery, the growing number of surgical procedures performed, and increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is an increase in the incidence of this disease. This article describes the difficulties encountered in diagnosing infective endocarditis in a boy with trisomy 21 and a history of surgical correction of a congenital heart defect. Correct diagnosis and treatment based on the European Society of Cardiology guidelines helped to prevent serious complications for the boy.