[Infective endocarditis on probe of pacemaker]

Tunis Med. 2009 Sep;87(9):610-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of permanent cardiac pacing. Infection is mainly caused by local contamination during the implantation procedure. The most frequently detected causative microorganisms were staphylococci. The clinical presentation is often atypical causing prolonged diagnostic delay. Bacteriological data and visualisation of neostructures consistent with vegetations on transoesophageal echocardiography, strongly suggest pacemaker lead infection. Management is based on a combined approach using both prolonged antibiotic treatment and early complete device explantation. Percutaneous techniques are currently the method of choice for lead extraction but it is not without possible complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis in order to reduce infection risk related to pacemaker implantation is widely recommended.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Echocardiography
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / etiology*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / prevention & control
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents