meningitis is a notifiable disease in many countries, the exact incidence rate is unknown. In 2013 meningitis resulted in 303,000 deaths - down from 464,000 deaths in 1990. In 2010 it was estimated that meningitis resulted in 420,000 deaths, excluding cryptococcal meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis
Specific Aim 1: To determine cross-sectionally in SLE subjects the effects of valve vegetations detected by TEE on the presence of active cerebral microemboli, altered perfusion, ischemic brain lesions, and NPSLE. Findings in SLE patients will be compared to those in controls.
Specific Aim 2: To