Infective Endocarditis Risk Stratification — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Prosthetic heart valve
A prosthetic heart valve is the correct answer. Current SDCEP guidance places patients with surgically implanted prosthetic valves—and specified transcatheter valvular prostheses—in the high-risk group for infective endocarditis and for serious, potentially life-threatening complications. A secundum atrial septal defect is classified as low risk. Mitral valve prolapse is not in the high-risk category; SDCEP classifies mitral valve prolapse generally as moderate risk. Coronary artery bypass surgery does not itself place a patient in the high- or moderate-risk group unless another qualifying cardiac condition is present. A previous myocardial infarction is likewise not a recognised high-risk cardiac condition for infective endocarditis. Therefore, only option A meets the current UK dental high-risk classification.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis: High risk patients, 2026. https://www.antibioticprophylaxis.sdcep.org.uk/implementation-advice/patients-at-risk-of-infective-endocarditis/high-risk-patients/