Cardiac device-associated lead infection: a diagnosis not to be missed

Abstract

A 66-year-old gentleman was admitted to hospital with a history of general malaise for 5 months. His symptoms worsened 2 weeks prior to presentation. He experienced swinging pyrexia, night sweats and shortness of breath on exertion. Initial evaluation did not reveal any source of infection. Subsequent investigation revealed infection with vegetation affecting the intra-cardiac leads of cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT-D). The patient was treated with prolonged intravenous antibiotics and removal of the device and indwelling leads. The patient made a full recovery and a new device was implanted.