(18)F-FDG-PET Scanning Confirmed Infected Intracardiac Device-Leads with Abiotrophia defectiva

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Imaging
• Cardiology

Background:

• Abiotrophia species are typically slow-growing pathogens that can colonize as normal flora but also cause invasive infections.
• Invasive infections caused by Abiotrophia species include endocarditis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis.
• Intracardiac device-lead infections are a serious complication, often requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of intracardiac device-lead infection caused by Abiotrophia defectiva.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of (18)F-FDG-PET scanning in identifying slow-growing pathogens like Abiotrophia defectiva.
• To emphasize the significance of positive (18)F-FDG-PET findings in the diagnosis of intracardiac device-lead infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 65-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis of intracardiac device-lead infection.
• Confirmation of diagnosis using (18)F-FDG-PET scanning.

Main Results:

• A 65-year-old male patient presented with an intracardiac device-lead infection.
• The infection was caused by Abiotrophia defectiva, a slow-growing pathogen.
• (18)F-FDG-PET scanning confirmed the diagnosis of the ICD-lead infection.

Conclusions:

• Positive (18)F-FDG-PET findings are highly suggestive of intracardiac device-lead infection, even with slow-growing pathogens.
• While negative (18)F-FDG-PET findings do not entirely exclude infection, positive results are strong indicators.
• This case underscores the importance of considering Abiotrophia defectiva in device-related infections and the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis.