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Aspergillus pacemaker endocarditis presenting as pulmonary embolism

A Mateos-Colino1, R Golpe, A González-Rodríguez

  • 1Respiratory Section (Internal Medicine Service), Hospital de Monforte de Lemos, Lugo, Spain. alfonsomateos10@hotmail.com

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|June 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights an extremely rare instance of fungal pacemaker endocarditis (PME) caused by Aspergillus in a 66-year-old female. Prompt surgical removal and antifungal treatment led to a successful recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Pacemaker endocarditis (PME) is a serious complication of pacemaker implantation.
  • Fungal PME is exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism.
  • Computed tomography angiography and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large vegetation on the pacemaker wire.

Findings:

  • Surgical removal of the pacemaker system was performed.
  • Culture of the vegetation identified Aspergillus spp. as the causative agent.
  • The patient had no identifiable risk factors for Aspergillus infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal infections in PME, even without typical risk factors.
  • Successful management involves a multidisciplinary approach including surgery and prolonged antifungal therapy.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in fungal PME.

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