Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections: A Contemporary Review

Infections associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are increasing and are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. This article summarizes the latest updates with respect to the epidemiology, microbiology, and risk factors for CIED-related infections. It also covers important considerations regarding the diagnosis, management, and prevention of these infections. Newer technologies such as leadless pacemakers and subcutaneous implantable cardioverters and defibrillators are discussed.

Complicated Pocket Infection in Patients Undergoing Lead Extraction: Characteristics and Outcomes

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection can present with pocket or systemic manifestations, both necessitating complete device removal and pathogen-directed antimicrobial therapy. Here, we aim to characterize those presenting with both pocket and systemic infection. A retrospective analysis of CIED extraction procedures included 300 patients divided into isolated pocket (n = 104, 34.7%), complicated pocket (n = 54, 18%), and systemic infection (n = 142, 47.3%) groups. The systemic and complicated pocket groups frequently presented with leukocytosis and fever > 37.8, as opposed to the isolated pocket group. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in the systemic and complicated pocket groups (43.7% and 31.5%, respectively), while Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) predominated (31.7%) in the isolated pocket group (10.6%, p < 0.001). No differences were observed in procedural success or complications rates. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found that at three years of follow-up, the rate of all-cause mortality was significantly higher among patients with systemic infection compared to both pocket groups (p < 0.001), with the curves diverging at thirty days. In this study, we characterize a new entity of complicated pocket infection. Despite the systemic pattern of infection, their prognosis is similar to isolated pocket infection. We suggest that this special category be presented separately in future publications of CIED infections.

Endocarditis: Who Is Particularly at Risk and Why? Ten Years Analysis of Risk Factors for In-hospital Mortality in Infective Endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Endocarditis is continuously increasing. Evidence exist that the prognosis is adversely affected by the extent of the disease. We looked at risk factors influencing in-hospital mortality (HM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2019, 484 patients, 338 males (69.8%) with mean age of 66.1 years were operated on because of proven endocarditis. In a retrospective study, a risk factor analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Overall HM was 30.17%. Significant influencing factors (odds ratios [ORs] or p-value) for HM were: age (p = 0.004), logistic EuroSCORE (p< 0.001), gender (OR = 1.64), dialysis (OR = 2.64), hepatic insufficiency (OR = 2.17), reoperation (OR = 1.77), previously implanted valve (OR = 1.97), periannular abscess (OR = 9.26), sepsis on admission (OR = 12.88), and number of involved valves (OR = 1.96). Development of a sepsis and HM was significantly lower if Streptococcus mitis was the main pathogen in contrast to other bacteria (p< 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus was significantly more often found in patients with a previously implanted prosthesis (p = 0.03) and in recurrent endocarditis (p = 0.02), while it significantly more often showed peripheral septic emboli than the other pathogens (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Endocarditis remains life-threatening. Severe comorbidities adversely affected early outcome, particularly, in presence of periannular abscesses. Patients with suspected endocarditis should be admitted to a specialized heart center as early as possible. Streptococcus mitis appears to be less virulent than S. aureus. Further studies are required to verify these findings.

Risk of infective endocarditis associated with invasive dental procedures in patients with cardiac rhythm devices

AIMS

The incidence of infective endocarditis related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has gradually increased. The risk associated with dental procedures in patients with CIED implantation and the need for prevention of infective endocarditis remain unclear. The present study investigated the incidence and risk of infective endocarditis associated with invasive dental procedures in patients with CIEDs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed a nationwide population-based cohort of patients with CIEDs who underwent dental procedures. We performed a self-controlled case series analysis and evaluated the incidence rate ratio of infective endocarditis 3 months after dental procedures. Of a total of 62 019 patients who underwent CIED implantation, 32 536 patients underwent at least one dental procedure during follow-up, and the mean number of dental procedures was 3.4 per patient. They were 152 infections with an incidence of 445 per 100 000 person-years in the dental procedure period and 500 events at an incidence of 255 per 100 000 person-years in the non-dental procedure period. The CIED-related infective endocarditis in the dental procedure period occurred significantly more frequently than during non-dental procedure periods (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-2.05; P < 0.001). The mean time interval from dental procedure to infective endocarditis was 59.6 ± 47.3 days.

CONCLUSION

Invasive dental procedures are associated with an increased risk of infective endocarditis in those who underwent CIED implantation. Appropriate preventive therapy might be needed in these patients.

Pacemaker-induced endocarditis by Gordonia bronchialis

PURPOSE

Gordonia species are known to be opportunistic human pathogens causing secondary infections. We present the second case in the world of endocarditis caused by Gordonia bronchialis and a review of all the cases of endocarditis caused by Gordonia spp.

METHODS

The identification was performed by matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed to confirm the identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by MIC test Strip on Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated sheep blood according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

RESULTS

Pacemaker-induced endocarditis due to Gordonia bronchialis infection was determined in an 88-year old woman. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin until completing 6 weeks from the pacemaker explant with a good evolution.

CONCLUSION

The case presented supports the pathogenic role of Gordonia bronchialis as an opportunistic pathogen and highlights the high risk of suffering infections caused by environmental bacteria.

Corynebacterium striatum cardiac device-related endocarditis: A case report

•

Diagnosis of cardiac device-related endocarditis may be complex.

•

Corynebacterium striatum has been increasingly associated with severe infections.

•

Antimicrobial treatment is difficult, especially in the presence of resistance.

Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging Gram-positive bacillus associated with invasive infection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, especially associated with medical devices. Its ability to form biofilms has been demonstrated and it has been occasionally associated with cardiac device-related infective endocarditis with few cases described in literature. We report a case of C. striatum cardiac device-related infective endocarditis of complex management.

Streptococcus gallolyticus endocarditis on a prosthetic tricuspid valve: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus is a known pathogen that causes infective endocarditis, and most cases involve the left heart valves. We present the first reported case of prosthetic tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by this microorganism. Relevant literature is reviewed.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old Jewish female with a history of a prosthetic tricuspid valve replacement was admitted to the emergency department because of nonspecific complaints including effort dyspnea, fatigue, and a single episode of transient visual loss and fever. No significant physical findings were observed. Laboratory examinations revealed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and a few nonspecific abnormalities. Transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a vegetation attached to the prosthetic tricuspid valve. The involved tricuspid valve was replaced by a new tissue valve, and Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus was grown from its culture. Prolonged antibiotic treatment was initiated.

Conclusions

Based on this report and the reviewed literature, Streptococcus gallolyticus should be considered as a rare but potential causative microorganism in prosthetic right-sided valves endocarditis. The patient’s atypical presentation emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

Economic evaluation of an absorbable antibiotic envelope for prevention of cardiac implantable electronic device infection

AIMS

Recent evidence suggests that an antibiotic impregnated envelope inserted at time of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation may reduce risk of subsequent CIED infection compared with standard of care (SoC). The objective of the current work was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing an antibiotic impregnated envelope with SoC at time of CIED insertion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Decision analytic models were used to project healthcare costs and benefits of two strategies, an antibiotic impregnated envelope plus SoC (Env+SoC) vs. SoC alone, in a cohort of patients undergoing CIED implantation over a 1-year time horizon. Evidence from published literature informed the model inputs. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary outcome was the incremental cost per infection prevented, assessed from the Canadian healthcare system perspective. Envelope plus SoC was associated with fewer CIED infection (7 CIED infections/1000 patients) at higher total costs ($29 033 000/1000 patients) compared with SoC (11 CIED infections and $27 926 000/1000 patients). The incremental cost per infection prevented over 1 year was $274 416. Use of Env+SoC was cost saving only when baseline CIED infection risk was increased to 6% (vs. base case of 1.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

A strategy of Env+SoC was not economically favourable compared with SoC alone, and the opportunity cost of widescale implementation should be considered. Future work is required to develop validated risk stratification tools to identify patients at greatest risk of CIED infection. The value proposition of Env+SoC improves when applying this intervention to patients at greatest infection risk.

Long-term outcomes of non-systematic device reimplantation following lead extraction in selected patients

Following the removal of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), reassessment of the need for a new device is vital. Some patients may have exhibited an improvement in rhythm or cardiac function and may thus no longer meet the guideline requirements for reimplantation. However, the long-term outcomes of non-systematic device reimplantation remain unknown. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the implantation of pacing systems in selected patients following lead extraction is safe. In order to confirm this hypothesis, a total of 854 patients (aged between 28 and 82 years) who underwent the removal of a CIED were enrolled in the present study and they were all reassessed to determine whether a new device following lead extraction was necessary. In order to determine which patients would undergo non-systematic device reimplantation, the standard guidelines, the criteria and the wishes of the patient were all taken into consideration. Patients remained device-free unless an adverse clinical event occurred that required reimplantation. The primary study endpoint was the rate of sudden death or reimplantation. Between January, 2014 and December, 2019, 854 consecutive patients underwent pacing system extraction, of whom 210 patients (24.6%) underwent non-systematic device reimplantation following careful reassessment (the non-reimplantation group). Among the 210 patients, 162 (77.1%) were fitted with pacemakers, 26 (12.4%) underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator and 22 (10.5%) were implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator. During a mean follow-up period of 40.4 months, 86 patients reached the primary endpoint of the study, including 54 out of 210 patients (25.7%) who experienced an adverse clinical event that required reimplantation and 32 out of 210 patients (15.2%) who experienced sudden death. Reimplantation of a new device was not required in ~25% of the patients. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that following pacing system removal, non-systematic device reimplantation associated with close surveillance is safe for selected patients.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections; Long-Term Outcome after Extraction and Antibiotic Treatment

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the treatment outcome for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections after extraction. Methods: Patients who underwent CIED extractions due to an infection at Karolinska University Hospital 2006–2015 were analyzed. Results: In total, 165 patients were reviewed, 104 (63%) with pocket infection and 61 (37%) with systemic infection. Of the patients with systemic infection, 34 and 25 patients fulfilled the criteria for definite and possible endocarditis, respectively. Complications after extraction occurred only in one patient. Reimplantation was made after a mean of 9.5 days and performed in 81% of those with pocket infection and 44.3% in systemic infection. Infection with the new device occurred in 4.6%. The mean length of hospital stay for patients with pocket infection was 5.7 days, compared to 38.6 days in systemic infection. One-year mortality was 7.7% and 22.2% in pocket infection and systemic infection, respectively. Patients with Staphylococcus aureus infection had a higher mortality. Conclusions: In this study, the majority of the patients had a pocket CIED infection, with a short hospital stay. Patients with a systemic infection, and S. aureus etiology, had a prolonged hospital stay and a higher mortality.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis: current approaches]

This review addresses current views on prevention of infectious endocarditis (IE). History of establishing the concept of antibacterial prophylaxis (ABP), major approaches, and substantiation of changes in ABP in recent years are described. Recent international and national guidelines are highlighted, specifically, guidelines of the European Society of Cardiologists, American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, and the Japanese Circulation Society. The review presents critical evaluation of previously approved international guidelines, including analysis of the effect of partial or complete ABP restriction on IE morbidity and incidence of complications. Special attention is paid to awareness of practitioners, particularly dentists, about ABP issues in their practice. Aspects of validity and key features of preventive approaches in implanting cardiac electronic devices and transcatheter aortic valve implantation are discussed.

Pacemaker-induced endocarditis by Gordonia bronchialis

PURPOSE

Gordonia species are known to be opportunistic human pathogens causing secondary infections. We present the second case in the world of endocarditis caused by Gordonia bronchialis and a review of all the cases of endocarditis caused by Gordonia spp.

METHODS

The identification was performed by matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed to confirm the identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by MIC test Strip on Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated sheep blood according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

RESULTS

Pacemaker-induced endocarditis due to Gordonia bronchialis infection was determined in an 88-year old woman. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin until completing 6 weeks from the pacemaker explant with a good evolution.

CONCLUSION

The case presented supports the pathogenic role of Gordonia bronchialis as an opportunistic pathogen and highlights the high risk of suffering infections caused by environmental bacteria.

The Role of the Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) in Infective Endocarditis; A Narrative Review from 2000 to 2020

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are part of the microbiota of human skin and rarely linked with soft tissue infections. In recent years, CoNS species considered as one of the major nosocomial pathogens and can cause several infections such as catheter-acquired sepsis, skin infection, urinary tract infection, endophthalmitis, central nervous system shunt infection, surgical site infections, and foreign body infection. These microorganisms have a significant impact on human life and health and, as typical opportunists, cause peritonitis in individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Moreover, it is revealed that these potential pathogens are mainly related to the use of indwelling or implanted in a foreign body and cause infective endocarditis (both native valve endocarditis and prosthetic valve endocarditis) in patients. In general, approximately eight percent of all cases of native valve endocarditis is associated with CoNS species, and these organisms cause death in 25% of all native valve endocarditis cases. Moreover, it is revealed that methicillin-resistant CoNS species cause 60 % of all prosthetic valve endocarditis cases. In this review, we describe the role of the CoNS species in infective endocarditis, and we explicated the reported cases of CoNS infective endocarditis in the literature from 2000 to 2020 to determine the role of CoNS in the process of infective endocarditis.

Infective Endocarditis Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction

Endocarditis is a well-known disease, yet septic embolization resulting in myocardial infarction is much rarer and very infrequently diagnosed in the emergency department (ED). Point-of-Care-Ultrasound (POCUS) can be used to confirm clinical suspicion within minutes of patient presentation, thereby expediting patient care.  We report the case of a 26-year-old female with known intravenous drug use who presented with altered mental status. Her clinical presentation prompted urgent evaluation in the ED with POCUS which showed a hyperdynamic functioning left ventricle, greater than 50% inferior vena cava collapse, and a large tricuspid valve vegetation. In light of the electrocardiogram (ECG) ST changes suggesting an acute myocardial infarction, the patient was emergently taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory where coronary angiography revealed multiple coronary emboli. Primary diagnoses included endocarditis due to Staphylococcus, septic pulmonary embolism, and ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to embolic occlusion of the distal left anterior descending artery. Myocardial infarction caused by septic embolization from endocarditis is a rare condition; however, POCUS is a quick, non-invasive tool that can aid the emergency medicine (EM) physician in identifying this life-threatening pathology thereby expediting appropriate care for the patient.

Quantifying infective endocarditis risk in patients with predisposing cardiac conditions

Aims

There are scant comparative data quantifying the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and associated mortality in individuals with predisposing cardiac conditions.

Methods and results

English hospital admissions for conditions associated with increased IE risk were followed for 5 years to quantify subsequent IE admissions. The 5-year risk of IE or dying during an IE admission was calculated for each condition and compared with the entire English population as a control. Infective endocarditis incidence in the English population was 36.2/million/year. In comparison, patients with a previous history of IE had the highest risk of recurrence or dying during an IE admission [odds ratio (OR) 266 and 215, respectively]. These risks were also high in patients with prosthetic valves (OR 70 and 62) and previous valve repair (OR 77 and 60). Patients with congenital valve anomalies (currently considered ‘moderate risk’) had similar levels of risk (OR 66 and 57) and risks in other ‘moderate-risk’ conditions were not much lower. Congenital heart conditions (CHCs) repaired with prosthetic material (currently considered ‘high risk’ for 6 months following surgery) had lower risk than all ‘moderate-risk’ conditions—even in the first 6 months. Infective endocarditis risk was also significant in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Conclusion

These data confirm the high IE risk of patients with a history of previous IE, valve replacement, or repair. However, IE risk in some ‘moderate-risk’ patients was similar to that of several ‘high-risk’ conditions and higher than repaired CHC. Guidelines for the risk stratification of conditions predisposing to IE may require re-evaluation.

Trends in occurrence and 30-day mortality of infective endocarditis in adults: population-based registry study in Finland

OBJECTIVES

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease associated with significant mortality. We studied recent temporal trends and age and sex differences in the occurrence and short-term mortality of IE.

DESIGN

Population based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Data of IE hospital admissions in patients aged ≥18 years in Finland during 2005-2014 and 30-day all-cause mortality data were retrospectively collected from mandatory nationwide registries from 38 hospitals.

OUTCOMES

Trends and age and sex differences in occurrence. Thirty-day mortality.

RESULTS

There were 2611 cases of IE during the study period (68.2% men, mean age 60 years). Female patients were significantly older than males (62.0 vs 59.0 years, p=0.0004). Total standardised annual incidence rate of IE admission was 6.33/100 000 person-years. Men had significantly higher risk of IE compared with women (9.5 vs 3.7/100 000; incidence rate ratios [IRR] 2.49; p<0.0001) and difference was most prominent at age 40-59 years (IRR 4.49; p<0.0001). Incidence rate varied from 5.7/100 000 in 2005 to 7.1/100 000 in 2012 with estimated average 2.1% increase per year (p=0.036) and similar trends in both sexes. Significant increasing trend was observed in patients aged 18-29 years and 30-39 years (estimated annual increase 7.6% and 7.2%, p=0.002) and borderline in patients aged 40-49 years (annual increase 3.8%, p=0.08). In older population, IE incidence rate remained stable. The overall 30-day mortality after IE admission was 11.3%. Mortality was similar between sexes, increased with ageing, and remained similar during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of IE is increasing in young adults in Finland. Men, especially middle-aged, are at higher risk for IE compared with women. Thirty-day mortality has remained stable at 11%, increased with ageing, and was similar between sexes.

Endocardial transvenous pacing in patients with surgically palliated univentricular hearts: A review on different techniques, problems and management

Fontan surgery and its modifications have improved survival in various forms of univentricular hearts. A regular atrial rhythm with atrioventricular synchrony is one of the most important prerequisite for the long-term effective functioning of this preload dependent circulation. A significant proportion of these survivors need various forms of pacing for bradyarrhythmias, often due to sinus nodal dysfunction and sometimes due to atrioventricular nodal block. The diversion of the venous flows away from the cardiac chambers following this surgery takes away the simpler endocardial pacing options through the superior vena cava. The added risks of thromboembolism associated with endocardial leads in systemic ventricles have made epicardial pacing as the procedure of choice. However challenges in epicardial pacing include surgical adhesions, increased pacing thresholds leading to early battery depletion and frequent lead fractures. When epicardial pacing fails, endocardial lead placement is equally challenging due to lack of access to the cardiac chambers in Fontan circulation. This review discusses the univentricular heart morphologies that may warrant pacing, issues about epicardial pacing, different techniques for endocardial pacing in patients with disconnected superior vena cava, pacing in different modifications of Fontan surgeries, issues of systemic thromboembolism with endocardial leads, atrioventricular valve regurgitation attributed to pacing leads and device infections. In a vast majority of patients following Glenn shunt and Senning surgery, an epicardial pacing and lead replacement is always feasible though technically very difficult. This article highlights the different options of transatrial and transventricular endocardial pacing.

•

Fontan surgery prolongs the mean survival of patients with univentricular hearts beyond 30 years.

•

9-20% of survivors need permanent pacing for bradyarrhythmias.

•

Epicardial pacing is preferred as the first choice for permanent pacemaker.

•

There is 20-40% failure of permanent pacing at 10 years due to high threshold, lead fractures.

•

Repeated epicardial pacing with surgical revisions are difficult.

•

Endocardial pacing involves special techniques.

•

Manoeuvring through fenestrations,venous collaterals, hepatic veins, pulmonary valve or hybrid peratrial routes is needed.

•

Systemic thromboembolism, endocarditis and systemic AV valve regurgitation should be prevented by meticulously measures.

Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections

Infections associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices are increasing and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the epidemiology, microbiology, and risk factors for acquisition of these infections. The complex diagnostic and management strategies associated with these serious infections are reviewed with an emphasis on recent updates and advances, as well as existing controversies. Additionally, the latest in preventative strategies are reviewed.

Infective endocarditis and risk of death after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: a nationwide cohort study

Aims

To determine the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) following implantation of a first-time, permanent, cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED).

Methods and results

From Danish nationwide administrative registers (beginning in 1996), we identified all de-novo permanent pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) together with the occurrence of post-implantation IE-events in the period from 2000-2012. Included were 43 048 first-time PM/ICD recipients. Total follow-up time was 168 343 person-years (PYs). The incidence rate (per 1000 PYs) of IE in PM was 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-2.6) for single chamber devices and 6.2 (95% CI: 4.5-8.7) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT); similarly, the rate of IE in ICD was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.9-4.7) in single chamber devices and 6.3 (95% CI: 4.4-9.0) in CRT. In multivariable analysis, increased PM complexity served as independent risk factor for IE {dual chamber PM [hazard ratio (HR) 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07-1.80] and CRT [HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.20-2.84]}. During follow-up, generator replacement (HR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.87-4.17) and lead revision (HR: 4.33; 95% CI: 3.25-5.78) in PMs were associated with increased risk. Corresponding estimates in ICDs were 2.49 (95% CI: 1.28-4.86) and 6.58 (95% CI: 4.49-9.63). Risk of death after IE was significantly increased in PM and ICD with HRs of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.33-1.82) and 2.63 (95% CI: 2.00-3.48), respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of IE increased with increasing PM complexity. Other important risk factors were subsequent generator replacement and lead revision. IE was associated with an increased risk of mortality in the area of CIED.

Enterococcus Faecalis Infective Endocarditis and Colorectal Carcinoma: Case of New Association Gaining Ground

Mostly Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) bacteremia and endocarditis (60%) has been found to be associated with underlying colorectal cancer (CRC). Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) bacteremia and endocarditis has no identifiable source in most of the cases. E. faecalis is part of normal gut flora that can translocate through the intestine and cause the systemic infection. With any intestinal lesion or tumor, the barrier is breached and the gut flora like E. faecalis can translocate and cause infection. A 55-years-old male known to have non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with implantation of automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) and atrial fibrillation presented with weight loss, fever and back pain. He was diagnosed to have E. faecalis bacteremia and subsequent endocarditis and osteomyelitis of T7 - T8 and L4 - L5 vertebrae. He underwent colonoscopy for screening of malignancy because of his age and presenting symptoms suggestive of one. The colonoscopy found pedunculated polyp in sigmoid colon, and after biopsy the histology revealed an invasive well differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma, with focal squamous differentiation. He underwent removal of AICD and antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis and osteomyelitis. He underwent sigmoid colectomy with pathology of removed specimen showing adenocarcinoma with negative margins and lymph nodes. In many of the patients with E. faecalis endocarditis, if identifiable the source is genitourinary tract. But in most of the cases the source of E. faecalis bacteremia is unidentified. There is some evidence to suggest that in patients with unidentified source, colonoscopy may reveal a hidden early stage CRC or adenoma. We conclude that in cases of E. faecalis bacteremia and endocarditis with unidentified source, colonoscopy should be considered if feasible to rule out the diagnosis of CRC.

Epidemiological trends of infective endocarditis in a single center in Italy between 2003-2015

OBJECTIVE

Changes in the incidence, clinical features and microbiology of infective endocarditis (IE) observed in a single center in Italy were compared between the period 2003-2010 and 2011-2015.

METHODS

All cases of IE, defined as definite or possible according to the modified Duke criteria, observed at the 'L. Sacco' Hospital in Milan, Italy between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

366 episodes of IE were identified in 325 patients. The mean number of incident IE over the period 2003-2015 was 1.43 (range: 0.6-2.1) cases per 1000 admissions, with a significantly increasing trend from a mean of 1.28-1.72 cases per 1000 admissions/year in 2003-2010 and 2011-2015, respectively (+34%; p = .04). Staphylococci remain the leading pathogens causing IE (29%) with a relative increase of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus between the two periods. Streptococci and enterococci account for 26% and 18% of IE, respectively. We found an increase in the proportion of cases due to enterococci (from 14% in 2003-2010 to 22% in 2011-2015). The rate of in-hospital mortality was 19%, similar in the two periods studied.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of IE continuously increased in our cohort over the past decade and, along with the aging of the population, a raise in the incidence of health care-associated infections and a change in the distribution of prevalent pathogens were observed. Surgery was independently associated with higher in-hospital survival (AOR, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.19-0.74; p = .005). A constant surveillance is required to guide the optimal management of the changing epidemiology of IE.

The Changing Epidemiology of Infective Endocarditis in the Twenty-First Century

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a relatively infrequent infectious disease. It does, however, causes serious morbidity, and its mortality rate has remained unchanged at approximately 25%. Changes in IE risk factors have deeply impacted its epidemiology during recent decades but literature from low-income countries is very scarce. Moreover, prophylaxis guidelines have recently changed and the impact on IE incidence is still unknown.

RECENT FINDINGS

In high-income countries, the proportion of IE related to prior rheumatic disease has decreased significantly and has been replaced proportionally by cases related to degenerative valvulopathies, prosthetic valves, and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Nosocomial and non-nosocomial-acquired cases have risen, as has the proportion caused by staphylococci, and the median age of patients. In low-income countries, in contrast, rheumatic disease remains the main risk factor, and streptococci the most frequent causative agents. Studies performed to evaluate impact of guidelines changes' have shown contradictory results. The increased complexity of cases in high-income countries has led to the creation of IE teams, involving several specialties. New imaging and microbiological techniques may increase sensitivity for diagnosis and detection of IE cases. In low-income countries, IE remained related to classic risk factors. The consequences of prophylaxis guidelines changes are still undetermined.

Surgical Management of Multiple Valve Endocarditis Associated with Dialysis Catheter

Endocarditis associated with dialysis catheter is a disease that must be suspected in every patient with hemodialysis who develops fever. Multiple valve disease is a severe complication of endocarditis that needs to be managed in a different way. There is very limited data for treatment and every case must be considered individually. We present a patient with this complication and describe the medical treatment and surgical management. We report the case of a 15-year-old patient with acute renal failure that develops trivalvular endocarditis after the hemodialysis catheter was placed, with multiple positive blood culture for Staphylococcus aureus. Transesophageal echocardiography was done and aortic and tricuspid valvular vegetations and mitral insufficiency were reported. Patient was successfully treated by surgery on the three valves, including aortic valve replacement. There is limited data about the appropriate treatment for multiple valvular endocarditis; it is important to consider this complication in the setting of hemodialysis patients that develop endocarditis and, despite the appropriate treatment, have a torpid evolution. In countries where endovenous drug abuse is uncommon, right sided endocarditis is commonly associated with vascular catheters. Aggressive surgical management should be the treatment of choice in these kinds of patients.