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Published on: September 5, 2017
A study of unusual pacemaker infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis in Indian patients
1Department of Medicine (Cardiology unit), Sri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, U.P., India.
Background:
The expanding clinical indications of cardiac rhythm management have led to an increased use of pacemaker implantation which is associated with increased incidence of pacemaker infections. Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis account for the vast majority of pacemaker infections. Pacemaker infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is very rare, only few cases having been reported till date.
Methods:
We describe here a study of three patients of pacemaker pocket infection with M. tuberculosis.
Conclusion:
The possibility of mycobacterial pacemaker infection should always be kept in mind in patients with delayed pacemaker infection.
Insights
Mycobacterium tuberculosis pacemaker infections are rare but possible. Clinicians should consider tuberculosis as a cause for delayed pacemaker infections in patients presenting with symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is increasing, leading to a rise in device infections.
- Staphylococcus species are the most common cause of pacemaker infections.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) pacemaker infections are exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on three rare cases of pacemaker pocket infection caused by M. tuberculosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenge posed by mycobacterial pacemaker infections.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing three patients with pacemaker pocket infections.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Main Results:
- Three cases of M. tuberculosis pacemaker pocket infection were identified.
- These infections presented with delayed onset.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterial pacemaker infection is a rare but significant possibility.
- Consider M. tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of delayed pacemaker infections.
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