In:
Clinical Cardiology, Wiley, Vol. 28, No. 1 ( 2005-01), p. 36-38
Abstract:
Background: Aspergillus infections of pacing systems are extremely uncommon, and most cases reported are characterized by an aggressive behavior that may lead to death of the patient. Hypothesis : The study was undertaken to assess the incidence of pacemaker infection due to Aspergillus in a defined population. Methods : A retrospective review of the case histories of all patients who underwent pacemaker implantation in the reference center for a defined population over a 13‐year period was undertaken. A literature review of pacemaker infections due to Aspergillus was conducted. Results : Of the 1,321 patients who required pacemaker implantation at Hospital Xeral‐Calde in the Lugo region of northwestern Spain, 38 suffered a pacemaker infection. A pacemaker pocket infection due to Aspergillus fumigatus was found in two patients. Both patients had a previous history of diabetes mellitus. Cultures from pacemaker pocket inflammatory fluid yielded positive results. Following pacemaker explantation and antifungal therapy, clinical improvement was achieved. A literature review showed another five cases of pacemaker infection due to Aspergillus . However, two peculiarities were found in our patients: In both cases an etiological diagnosis was achieved prior to surgery and, to the best of our knowledge, they also constitute the first cases of pacemaker pocket infection due to Aspergillus . Conclusion : Although pacemaker infections due to Aspergillus species are uncommon, they should be considered in immunocompromised patients.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0160-9289
,
1932-8737
DOI:
10.1002/clc.4960280110
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2048223-1
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