Aspergillus Infection of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Rachel J. Cook, Thomas A. Orszulak, Vuyisile T. Nkomo, Jennifer A. Shuford, William D. Edwards, Jay H. Ryu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators continues to increase for the management of cardiac dysrhythmias and, more recently, heart failure. Long-term complications associated with their use include infection, lead failure, and spurious shocks. Although the risk of infection with intracardiac devices is well known, the clinical presentation of this complication can be insidious, delayed in onset, and difficult to diagnose. We report a case of Aspergillus fumigatus infection of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator with right-sided endocarditis in a 55-year-old man. The infection presented as persistent pulmonary infiltrates (due to recurrent septic pulmonary embolism) and anemia more than 2 years after implantation of the device. Clinicians should be aware of the variable manifestations resulting from infection of intracardiac devices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)549-552
Number of pages4
JournalMayo Clinic proceedings
Volume79
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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