Neurology Advisor: Infective endocarditis-related stroke more associated with IV drug use
Between 20% and 40% of patients with infective endocarditis, or inflammation of the inner lining and valves of the heart, will have an ischemic stroke event.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati recently published findings in Neurology that found rates of infective endocarditis-related stroke (IERS) in the U.S. increased from 2005-2015, with affected patients more likely to be intravenous (IV) drug users.
Over time, more patients with IERS were IV drug users and fewer had hypertension. Patients who were drug users were also younger and fewer were women.
Rates of IERS increased from 1.31 per 100,000 in 2005 to 1.66 per 100,000 in 2010 and 2.41 per 100,000 in 2015. Rates of non-endocarditis stroke decreased slightly from 280 per 100,000 in 2005 to 274 per 100,000 in 2015.
“The impact of the opioid epidemic is reflected in the transforming phenotype of IERS," the researchers wrote.
Read the Neurology Advisor article.
Featured photo at top of brain courtesy of iStock.
Related Stories
Drone-delivered groceries descending into Cincinnati
June 25, 2026
Walmart is bringing drone delivery to Cincinnati, as reported by 700WLW. Host Scott Sloan spoke with Michael Jones, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner College of Business, for a look at what it means for Cincinnati shoppers.
CCM welcomes Hiram Diaz as Visiting Artist of Euphonium
June 25, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Hiram Diaz as CCM's Visiting Artist of Euphonium for 2026-27. A CCM alumnus (BM Euphonium Performance, 2007), Diaz's visiting appointment begins this fall.
CCM welcomes Ben Nicholson as Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Live Events
June 24, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Benjamin Nicholson as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Visuals for Live Events. A CCM alumnus (MFA Lighting Design & Technology, 2025), Nicholson's faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026, and he will work with college leadership to develop classes, content and programming in Live and Immersive Media at CCM. Nicholson's position is a joint appointment shared by CCM's Divisions of Media Production and Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration, and he will teach classes for both areas of the college.