Young WJ, et al. - Researchers aimed at investigating the impact of timing of echocardiography on infective endocarditis (IE) complications by studying 151 consecutive patients with definite IE. A definitive echocardiogram was the first echocardiogram (transthoracic (TTE) or Transesophageal (TEE)) which identified pathology consistent with IE and further echocardiography was not required for the diagnosis. Findings revealed time to definitive echocardiography as an important predictor of valve destruction (defined as ≥1 of severe regurgitation, cardiac abscess or fistula), embolic events and subsequent valve surgery.