Defibrillator-Induced Tricuspid Abscess Presenting as Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Wound Ulceration

Abstract

Right-sided endocarditis is predominantly seen in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse. However, it is well shown in the literature to be associated with patients containing foreign bodies such as pacemakers, central venous lines, and in those with congenital heart disease. In patients with pacemaker leads and in those with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs), it is important to suspect foreign body infection when there are signs and indications of bacteremia. When these leads become infected, they can spread the infection to the tricuspid valve resulting in vegetations. The proper management is removal of the infected lead and foreign body along with a prolonged course of antibiotics. However, it is unusual and a relatively rare entity to see foreign body infection resulting from a wound ulcer resulting in not only endocarditis but also abscess formation on the tricuspid valve. Here we report a case of a 60-year-old male with recent AICD placement presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis due to tricuspid abscess formation as a result of a foot ulcer.