Persistent fever after pacemaker lead extraction

• Published in: Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 107 - 108
• Main Authors: Nunes, Maria Carmo Pereira, Navarro, Túlio Pinho, Carvalho, Mariana de Braga Lima, Maia, Nicole de Paula Aarão Faleiro, Procópio, Ricardo Jayme, Ferrari, Teresa Cristina Abreu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-05-2016; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bloodstream infection; Case Report; Endocarditis; Foreign body; Lead extraction; Pacing; Pacing; Foreign body; Lead extraction; Bloodstream infection; Endocarditis
• ISSN: 0972-6292; 0972-6292
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ipej.2016.08.006

The implant indication of cardiac electronic devices continues to expand; therefore, we have observed increasing complications related to their removal. We describe the case of a patient who presented with prolonged bloodstream infection after having undergone removal of a pacemaker. After extensive workup for fever of unknown origin and antibiotic therapy without any improvement, it was possible to demonstrate a foreign body in the right subclavian vein and superior vena cava corresponding to the distal part of the right ventricular lead. Endovascular removal of the foreign body and prolonged antibiotic administration was followed by complete resolution of the clinical picture. We ascribed the difficulty in diagnosing the source of the infection especially to the lack of local manifestations.