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Published on: July 18, 2014
Q fever endocarditis associated with a cardiovascular implantable electronic device
J A Oteo1, S Pérez-Cortés, P Santibáñez
1Área de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain. jaoteo@riojasalud.es
Summary
Q fever endocarditis can occur in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), even with negative blood cultures. This study reports the first known cases of Q fever endocarditis linked to these non-valvular devices.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are susceptible to endocarditis, often caused by skin flora.
- Blood culture-negative endocarditis is a recognized clinical challenge, with Coxiella burnetii being a significant pathogen in native and prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Observation:
- This report details two unique cases of Q fever endocarditis.
- These infections were specifically associated with CIEDs, representing a novel clinical presentation.
Findings:
- The study identifies Coxiella burnetii as a cause of endocarditis in CIEDs.
- These cases highlight the possibility of CIED infections presenting as blood culture-negative endocarditis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Q fever in the differential diagnosis of blood culture-negative endocarditis, particularly in patients with CIEDs.
- This expands the known spectrum of CIED-related infections and emphasizes the need for broader etiological investigations.
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