Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging for the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium chimaera Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis

Alejandro Sanchez-Nadales1, Alejandra Diaz-Sierra2, Michele Mocadie3

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston FL.

Insights

Mycobacterium chimaera infections can cause serious prosthetic valve endocarditis after cardiac surgery. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing this emerging pathogen, which primarily affects males years after exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Mycobacterium chimaera is an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
  • It is associated with prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVE) and disseminated infections.
  • Contaminated heater-cooler systems used in cardiac surgery are a known source of M. chimaera transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Mycobacterium chimaera poses a significant risk for prosthetic valve endocarditis following cardiac surgery.
  • Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and advanced imaging techniques.
  • M. chimaera infection is linked to substantial morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for awareness and effective prevention strategies.

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