Arch Intern Med
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The use of anticoagulant therapy in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is a controversial issue. ⋯ Our results suggest that in left-sided S aureus IE anticoagulant therapy is closely associated with death due to neurologic damage. According to our data, as soon as the clinical diagnosis of S aureus IE is indicated the use of anticoagulant therapy should be immediately stopped until the septic phase of the disease is overcome.