A study of unusual pacemaker infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis in Indian patients

Amresh Kumar1, Tanu Agrawal2

  • 1Department of Medicine (Cardiology unit), Sri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, U.P., India.

Abstract

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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