A review of the role of anticoagulation for patients with infective endocarditis and embolic stroke

Stroke is a common embolic complication of infective endocarditis. The most important treatment to prevent stroke in endocarditis is the initiation of antibiotic therapy. It is unclear whether the initiation of de novo anticoagulation (i.e, warfarin) in patients with infective endocarditis is beneficial, since there are no large or randomized controlled trials in this area. However, this case report suggests, despite the limited evidence, that anticoagulation in this patient caused no harm and could suggest a hint of possible benefit.