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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation

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Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator infection due to Scedosporium apiospermum

Bilal Sarvat1, Juan C Sarria

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Route 0435, Galveston, TX 77555-0435, USA.

The Journal of Infection
|September 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Scedosporium apiospermum can infect implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, persisting despite antifungal treatment. Successful management required device removal and valve replacement, highlighting a combined medical and surgical approach for device infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Device-related infections pose significant clinical challenges.
  • Scedosporium species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.

Observation:

  • A case of ICD infection caused by Scedosporium apiospermum is presented.
  • The infection was refractory to systemic antifungal therapy with voriconazole.
  • The patient had an associated tricuspid valve involvement.

Findings:

  • Complete resolution of the Scedosporium apiospermum infection was achieved.
  • Management involved the surgical removal of the infected ICD.
  • Tricuspid valve replacement was a necessary component of the treatment.

Implications:

  • Scedosporium species should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac device infections.
  • A combined surgical and medical strategy is essential for managing complex device-related Scedosporium infections.
  • Early recognition and aggressive treatment are critical for favorable outcomes in such cases.

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