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Infectious endocarditis in pacemaker endocardial leads: report of three cases.
F Cruz-Cruz1, N Espinola-Zavaleta, J Hernández Lara
1Departament of Electrocardiography, Electrophysiology and Echocardiography, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, INCICH, México, D. F.
Archivos Del Instituto De Cardiologia De Mexico
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Endocarditis affecting permanent pacemaker leads is rare but serious, often requiring lead and generator removal. Staphylococcus species are the most common cause of these infections.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Infections
Background:
- Permanent pacemakers are crucial for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
- Endocardial leads, placed within the heart chambers, can be susceptible to infection.
- Pacemaker lead endocarditis is a rare but severe complication.
Observation:
- Presents three cases of endocarditis specifically involving endocardial pacemaker leads.
- Utilized transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for definitive vegetation identification.
- Compared lead infections to pulse generator site infections.
Findings:
- Infection of pacemaker leads is significantly less common than pocket infections.
- Lead endocarditis carries higher morbidity and mortality rates.
- Staphylococcus species were identified as the predominant causative agents.
Implications:
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of TEE in pacemaker lead endocarditis.
- Emphasizes the critical need for prompt diagnosis and management.
- Suggests that surgical intervention involving lead and generator removal is often necessary.