Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium (the lining of the heart) and valves. Frequently caused by a bacterial infection or rheumatic fever, symptoms include fever, embolism, changing heart murmurs, and heart failure. ENDOCARDIUM The endocardium is the delicate inner lining of the heart, which also covers the arteries, veins and valves. The cusps of the valves are formed from folds of this linings. 
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Exudative and proliferative inflammatory alterations of the endocardium, characterised by the presence of vegetations on the surface of the endocardium or in the endocardium itself and most commonly involving a heart valve, but sometimes affecting the inner lining of the cardiac chambers or the endocardium elsewhere. It may occur as a primary disorder or as a complication of or in association with another disease.