Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Diagnosis of pacemaker lead infection using transoesophageal echocardiography: a case report
Introduction:
Vegetative lead infection is an uncommon complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. The diagnosis is difficult using conventional imaging methods.
Clinical Picture:
An elderly Indian woman with a history of diabetes mellitus developed Staphylococcus aureus infection after implementation of a permanent pacemaker. Following a non-diagnostic transthoracic echocardiogram, transoesophageal echocardiography was performed and showed a large vegetative mass attached to the pacemaker lead within the right atrium.
Treatment:
The pacemaker was removed and intravenous vancomycin administered for six weeks.
Outcome:
She was discharged well but demised two months later from a second episode of septicaemia.
Conclusions:
Pacemaker lead infection remains a challenging management problem. Transoesophageal echocardiography can facilitate its diagnosis.
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