[Infections secondary to the implantation of a pacemaker: update]

Pacemaker lead infection is a major complication of endovascular permanent pacing. The incidence is less than 1% but it is a frequent disease due to the high number of pacemaker implanted. The diagnosis is difficult due to the insidious symptoms. Pacemaker infection must be systematically considered in patients with a pacemaker and symptoms of infection. Several investigations are useful for the diagnosis particularly the transesophageal echocardiography, but all investigations have a low negative predictive value. All of the implanted material must be completely removed.