Which term describes inflammation of the inner lining of the heart?

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Deep Vein Thrombosis
• C. Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
• D. Mitral Valve Prolapse

Answer: (A)

Endocarditis is the inflammation of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, typically involving the heart valves. This distinguishes it from inflammation of other cardiac tissues (myocarditis would involve the heart muscle, and pericarditis would involve the outer lining). Endocarditis often arises when organisms enter the bloodstream and adhere to damaged or prosthetic valves, leading to vegetations that can affect valve function and risk embolization. Clinically, you’d look for signs like fever and a new or changing heart murmur, with diagnosis supported by blood cultures and echocardiography. The other terms describe unrelated conditions: a deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein, a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction is a type of heart attack, and mitral valve prolapse is a structural valve abnormality, not inflammation of the heart’s inner lining.