Are histopathological findings of diagnostic value in native valve endocarditis

Background Optimal management of infective endocarditis (IE) depends on the early detection of IE-causing pathogens and on appropriate antimicrobial and surgical therapy. The current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommend histopathological examination as the gold standard for diagnosing IE Habib et al. (Eur Heart J 30:2369–2413, 2005). We hypothesize that histopathological findings do not provide additional information relevant to clinical decision-making.