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Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Late endocarditis of Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device in a child
Neerod K Jha1, Laszlo Kiraly1, John Sk Murala1
1Neerod K Jha, Laszlo Kiraly, John SK Murala, Csaba Tamas, Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (managed by Cleveland Clinic), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Insights
Late bacterial endocarditis after atrial septal defect closure with an Amplatzer device is rare in children. This case highlights the need for long-term monitoring and vigilance in pediatric patients with cardiac devices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with Amplatzer devices is a common pediatric procedure.
- Bacterial endocarditis is a rare but serious complication following cardiac device implantation.
- Late-onset endocarditis, occurring years after implantation, is exceptionally uncommon.
Abstract:
Bacterial endocarditis following atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer device in a child is extremely rare. We report a 10-year-old girl who developed late bacterial endocarditis, 6 years after placement of an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device. Successful explantation of the device and repair of the resultant septal defect was carried out using a homograft patch. The rare occurrence of this entity prompted us to highlight the importance of long-term follow up, review the management and explore preventive strategies for similar patients who have multiple co-morbidities and a cardiac device. A high index of suspicion is warranted particularly in pediatric patients.
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Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
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Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

