Intravascular Stent-related Endocarditis due to Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria : A New Problem in the Developing World

Abstract

We report five patients with infective endocarditis (IE) due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) which we postulate are related to the reuse of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon catheters prior to the intravascular stent placement. The index procedure was performed at various institutes in different parts of the country. We call attention to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties and the uniformly dismal outcome of RGM IE as well as the potential hazards of re-use of single-use devices.