Infective endocarditis Infective endocarditis(IE)is characterized by colonization or invasion of the heart valves or the mural endocardium by a microbiologic agent, leading to the formation of bulky, friable vegetations laden with organisms. ■Infective endocarditis ◼ Infective endocarditis(IE) is characterized by colonization or invasion of the heart valves or the mural endocardium by a microbiologic agent, leading to the formation of bulky, friable vegetations laden with organisms