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The Characteristics and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis Involving Implantable Cardiac Devices

  • Cardiovascular Infections (D Levine, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Infection of implantable cardiac electronic devices in particular lead endocarditis (cardiac device infective endocarditis (CDIE)) is an emerging problem with significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. The epidemiology is characterised with advanced age and health care association in cases presenting within 6 months of implantation. Risk factors include those of the patient, the procedure and the device. Staphylococcal species predominate as the causative organisms. Diagnosis is reliably made by blood cultures and transesophageal echocardiography. Complications include pulmonary and systemic emboli, persistent bacteremia and concomitant valvular involvement. Management includes complete device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy. With long-term follow-up to 1 year, the mortality of CDIE is as high as 23 %. It is associated with patient co-morbidities and concomitant valvular involvement and may be prevented by device removal during index admission.

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Conflict of Interest

Eugene Athan has no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Disease, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong, 3220, Australia

    Eugene Athan

  2. Deakin University, Geelong, Australia

    Eugene Athan

  3. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

    Eugene Athan

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  1. Eugene Athan
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Correspondence to Eugene Athan.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Cardiovascular Infections

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Athan, E. The Characteristics and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis Involving Implantable Cardiac Devices. Curr Infect Dis Rep 16, 446 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-014-0446-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-014-0446-5

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