Published online Nov 26, 2013. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v5.i11.397
Revised: September 10, 2013
Accepted: October 16, 2013
Published online: November 26, 2013
Traditionally, tricuspid valve endocarditis is uncommon in the Middle East region. However, recent global data indicate growing trends in the use of illicit drug abuse, specifically injectable heroin, in the Middle East Gulf region. The presence of many transit port services in the Middle East Gulf States has led to smuggling of substance abuse drugs in the region. The Middle East Gulf States, currently a transit market, are also becoming a growing consumer market in view of the increased substance abuse in the youth. However, there is a paucity of data with respect to the prevalence or incidence of tricuspid valve endocarditis in the region, probably due to underdiagnosis or underreporting. A high index of suspicion of tricuspid valve endocarditis is essential in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse. This article reviews the epidemiology of illicit drug abuse in the Middle East Gulf region, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis, and calls for all physicians in the region to be vigilant while dealing with intravenous drug abuse.
Core tip: It is presumed that tricuspid valve endocarditis is uncommon in the Middle East region. However, recently published global data indicate growing trends in the use of illicit drug abuse in the Middle East Gulf region. The Middle East Gulf States, currently a transit market, are also becoming a growing consumer market in view of the consumption patterns of substance abuse in the youth. This article reviews the epidemiology of illicit drug abuse in the Middle East Gulf region as well as diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis.