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[Cardiac device-related infective endocarditis as a late complication following permanent pacemaker implantation]

Beata Wożakowska-Kapłon1, Kamilla Wesołowska, Andrzej Kutarski

  • 1I Kliniczny Oddział Kardiologii, Świętokrzyskie Centrum Kardiologii, Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony, Kielce. bw.kaplon@poczta.onet.pl

Kardiologia Polska
|March 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Late pacemaker complications are rare. This case highlights Staphylococcus aureus causing cardiac device-related infective endocarditis, requiring antibiotic treatment and device removal.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Late complications after pacemaker implantation, such as erosion and infection, are infrequent.
  • Permanent pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.

Observation:

  • A 62-year-old male presented with fever three years after dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation.
  • Microbiological analysis identified Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The patient exhibited no local signs of infection, and echocardiography was normal.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of cardiac device-related infective endocarditis was established.
  • Treatment involved six weeks of combined intravenous antibiotic therapy and pacemaker removal.
  • A new pacemaker was implanted several weeks post-treatment.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering device-related infections even without typical local signs.
  • Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management, including device explantation and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Further research into early detection and prevention of cardiac device infections is warranted.

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