Listeriosis: A Rare Cause of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection

Listeriosis is a series of diseases caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Typically presenting with mild symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and myalgias, it can, in some cases, assume an invasive form with systemic involvement. Cardiac involvement in listeriosis is rare, with very few reports describing the involvement of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), which hampers the development of conclusive recommendations regarding CIED management or antibiotic courses. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman who had a pacemaker and developed gastroenteritis complicated by bacteremia due to L. monocytogenesis. The presence of vegetation in one of the pacemaker leads led to the diagnosis of endocarditis and subsequent lead substitution along with effective antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation in patients with bacteremia due to non-typical microorganisms for infective endocarditis and describes a possible approach for device removal.