What characteristic change is associated with right-sided endocarditis?

In right-sided endocarditis, one of the hallmark findings is the presence of thickened endocardial plaques. This condition typically occurs due to the formation of vegetations on the heart valves, particularly the tricuspid valve, which is commonly affected in intravenous drug users and those with other predisposing conditions. These vegetations consist of fibrin, platelets, and microbes, leading to the thickening of the endocardial surface.

The presence of these lesions can result in various complications, such as embolic events to the lungs, as the blood travels from the right side of the heart to the pulmonary circulation. As a result, the thickened endocardial plaques are indicative of the infectious processes occurring in right-sided endocarditis, differentiating it from other forms of endocarditis that might affect the left side of the heart.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary changes seen in right-sided endocarditis. For instance, thinning of the myocardial walls is not typically associated with this condition and does not directly relate to the infectious process involved. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space can occur due to various reasons, but it is not a specific characteristic change of right-sided endocarditis. Hypertrophy of the left ventr