(18)F-FDG-PET Scanning Confirmed Infected Intracardiac Device-Leads with Abiotrophia defectiva

Case Rep Cardiol. 2016:2016:6283581. doi: 10.1155/2016/6283581. Epub 2016 Mar 27.

Abstract

Abiotrophia species are relatively slow growing pathogens, which may be present as commensal flora. However, invasive infections are frequently reported, like endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and many other types of infection. In this case report we describe a 65-year-old male patient with an intracardiac device- (ICD-) lead infection caused by Abiotrophia defectiva. Diagnosis was confirmed by (18)F-FDG-PET scanning. This is remarkable, since Abiotrophia defectiva is a slow growing pathogen causing low-grade infections. This case demonstrates that although infection of ICD-leads cannot be excluded in case of (18)F-FDG-PET-negative findings, positive findings are highly suggestive for infection.