A Case of Endocarditis Related to Pacemaker-Lead Infection / 감염

ABSTRACT

Endocarditis related to pacemaker-lead infection is a rare complication characterized by infection on the pacemaker electrode tip, tricuspid valve, or the fibrotic endocardial areas that are in contact with the electrode tip. However, it is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication. We experienced a case of pacemaker endocarditis in a 39-year old male patient in whom a permanent pacemaker had been inserted four years before. The diagnosis was made by the demonstration of vegetations on the electrode tip of the pacemaker, that was detected by transthoracic echocardiography and isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis from blood culture. The patient was managed with antibiotics for six weeks and the infected electrode was removed by open heart surgery.