DeSimone, Daniel C.

Abstract Background Nutritionally variant streptococci (NVS) are an infrequent cause of infective endocarditis (IE) and management recommendations are based on weak levels of evidence largely derived from case reports, small case series, and animal models of experimental endocarditis. Moreover, taxonomic changes have led to some confusion in designation of these organisms. Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 33 patients with NVS IE from 1970 to 2017. Only patients who met modified Duke Criteria for IE were included. Results Mean patient age was 55 years and 61% were males. The most common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (12%), malignancy (3%), heart failure (16%), coronary artery disease (25%), and chronic liver disease (9%). Predisposing valve abnormalities included rheumatic heart disease (11%), bicuspid aortic valve (22%), transplant valvulopathy (3%), mitral valve prolapse (3%), and congenital heart disease (11%). Cultures were reported as NVS (70%), Granulicatella species (18%) and Abiotrophia species (12%). Echocardiogram findings included vegetations (67%), new regurgitation (55%), perivalvular abscess (3%), mitral valve prolapse (3%), and ruptured mitral valve chordae (3%). Both prosthetic (26%) and native valve IE (74%) was seen, and the valves involved were aortic (37%), mitral (50%) and both aortic and mitral (13%). Complications were seen in 27% of patients, including heart failure (17%), splenic infarct (11%), stroke (8%), mycotic aneurysm (3%), and glomerulonephritis (2%). In vitro susceptibility to penicillin, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin was 88%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. The majority (77%) of patients were treated with a combination of β-lactam and aminoglycoside. Median duration of treatment was 33 days. Surgery was performed in 50% of patients with no significant difference in survival between those who were treated with combined medical/surgical treatment and those treated with medical therapy alone. Overall survival at 1, 4, and 10 years was 93%, 83%, and 66%, respectively. Conclusion IE due to NVS is a rare entity and is associated with a high rate of serious complications and may involve multiple valves. Long-term, two-thirds of the patients survived more than 10 years. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

AbstractBackgroundCulture‐negative (CN) cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections represent a significant management challenge for clinicians with no specific guidelines addressing this subgroup of patients. The aim of the current investigation is to report our institutional experience of CN CIED infections and propose a systematic approach to diagnostic evaluation and management of these complicated cases based on our observations.MethodsWe retrospectively screened all CIED infection cases at Mayo Clinic from 2005 through 2017. Using standardized criteria to define significant microbial growth, all patients with positive blood or pocket/device cultures were excluded.ResultsA total of 835 cases of CIED infection were screened, and of these, 47 (6%) met CN‐CIED infection criteria. Majority of patients (77%) in this cohort had received antimicrobial therapy prior to device cultures with a median duration of 8 days. The most common presentation was device pocket infection (81%). All patients underwent device removal. Route of antibiotics was switched from oral to parenteral and spectrum of activity expanded from initial therapy in 23% of patients despite negative cultures. Majority of patients (80%) were dismissed on parenteral therapy. Adverse events attributed to intravenous antibiotic therapy were documented in 63% of the cases. No recurrence was reported and 6‐month survival was 94.8%.ConclusionsPocket and device cultures in suspected CIED infections may be negative due to preextraction oral antibiotics. However, frequently these patients are managed with broad‐spectrum parenteral therapy postextraction.

ABSTRACT Device infection remains a significant challenge as clinical indications for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy continue to expand beyond the prevention and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Patients receiving CIED therapy are now older and have significant comorbidities, placing them at higher risk of complications, including infection. CIED infection warrants complete device removal, as retention is associated with an unacceptably high risk of relapse and increased mortality. However, accurate diagnosis of CIED infections remains a significant challenge that is based on a combination of findings on physical examination, microbiological and laboratory testing, and advanced imaging, such as transesophageal echocardiography or positron emission tomography. Isolating a causative pathogen and performing susceptibility testing are crucial for appropriate choice, route, and duration of antimicrobial therapy. In this review, we present an evidence-based approach to diagnosis of CIED infection.

A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency department in the summer with a right seventh cranial nerve lower motor neuron palsy and worsening paraesthesias for 6 weeks. He had debilitating pain at the scalp and spine. Prior work up was unrevealing. The patient resided in the upper Midwest region of the USA and worked outdoors, optimising the landscape for white tailed deer. Repeat cerebrospinal fluid testing revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis and positive IgM Lyme serology. Brain MRI demonstrated enhancement of multiple cranial nerves bilaterally. He was diagnosed with early Lyme neuroborreliosis and treated with 28 days of intravenous ceftriaxone. While the painful meningoradiculitis, also known as Bannwarth syndrome, is more commonly seen in Europe, facial palsy is more frequently encountered in the USA. Clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis are important to recognise as the classic presentation varies by geography and on occasion repeat serological testing may be necessary.

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can be life‐saving. However, complications from CIED infection can be life‐threatening, often requiring device removal. Despite publication of CIED infection management guidelines, there remains marked variation in clinical practice.ObjectiveTo better understand and quantify these differences, we conducted a multinational survey of practitioners of CIED management.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to Heart Rhythm Society members, spanning 70 countries across six continents. All responses were collected anonymously.Results227 out of 3,600 (6.3%) responded to the survey. The majority of surveys were completed by practitioners from the United States (168; 68.3%) and 53.8% of these practiced in academic medical centers. The large majority (92.7%) of sites had protocols to ensure appropriate timing of prophylactic antibiotics. Superficial (incisional) site infections were treated with antibiotics alone 52.5% of the time (consistent with guidelines); in contrast, deep pocket infections were treated with antibiotics (with device removal) in accordance to guidelines only 37.4% of the time. Almost all providers (98.7%) were inclined to perform complete hardware removal in cases of CIED‐related endocarditis. In contrast, 82.2% of survey participants suggested complete CIED system removal in patients with an occult Gram‐positive bacteremia, 65.5% with occult Gram‐negative bacteremia, and 59.3% with prolonged bacteremia due to a source other than CIED.ConclusionsThese data suggest wide variability in clinical practice in managing CIED infection with significant deviations from published guidelines. There is critical need to increase awareness and develop institutional protocols to ensure adherence with evidence‐based guidelines to optimize outcomes.