Q fever endocarditis in Queensland.

Abstract

SUMMARY Thirteen patients with proven Q fever endocarditis and three additional patients with probable endocarditis are reviewed. The most helpful diagnostic test is the demonstration of a high complement fixing antibody titre to Phase I antigen of Coxiella burneti.The macroscopic pathology of the aortic valve is described and includes aneurysmal pockets in the aortic wall and valve annulus which are demonstrable angiographically.