Transcatheter vacuum aspiration of valvular and lead related infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aspiration is utilized for removal of thrombi and vegetations in inoperable patients and high-risk surgical candidates where medical therapy alone is unlikely to achieve desired outcome. A number of case reports and series have been published since the introduction of AngioVac system (AngioDynamics Inc., Latham, NY) in 2012 where this technology was used in the treatment of endocarditis. However, there is a lack of consolidated data reporting on patient selection, safety and outcomes. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were queried for publications reporting cases where transcatheter aspiration was used for endocarditis vegetation debulking or removal. Data on patient characteristics, outcomes and complications from select reports were extracted and systematically reviewed. RESULTS: Data from 11 publications with 232 patients were included in the final analyses. Of these, 124 had lead vegetation aspiration, 105 had valvular vegetation aspiration, and 3 had both lead as well as valvular vegetation aspiration. Among the 105 valvular endocarditis cases, 102 (97 %) patients had right sided vegetation removal. Patients with valvular endocarditis were younger (mean age 35 years) vs. patients with lead vegetations (mean age 66 years). Among the valvular endocarditis cases, there was a 50-85 % reduction in vegetation size, 14 % had worsening valvular regurgitation, 8 % had persistent bacteremia and 37 % required blood transfusion. Surgical valve repair or replacement was subsequently performed in 3 % and in-hospital mortality was 11 %. Among patients with lead infection, procedural success rate was reported at 86 %, 2 % had vascular complications and in-hospital mortality was 6 %. Persistent bacteremia, renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and clinically significant pulmonary embolism occurred in about 1 % each. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter aspiration of vegetations in infective endocarditis has acceptable success rates in vegetation debulking as well as rates of morbidity or mortality. Large prospective multi-center studies are warranted to determine predictors of complications, thus helping identify suitable patients.

[Acute Aortic Dissection with Rapidly Enlarged Aneurysm after Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia].

The patient is a 62-year-old man. He was referred to our hospital from a nearby clinic with a complaint of chest and back pain, and was urgently admitted with a diagnosis of Stanford type A (Debakey typeⅢbR) acute aortic dissection. During the course of his treatment, he developed a urinary tract infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Thereafter, the patient developed bacteremia, and follow-up computed tomography( CT) showed a rapidly enlarging descending aortic aneurysm and a left external iliac artery( EIA) aneurysm. On day 49 after admission, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, left EIA resection, and right EIA-left femoral artery bypass were performed. However, a contrast-enhanced CT scan on day 70 of hospitalization revealed a type Ia endoleak and enlargement of the descending aortic aneurysm, so the patient underwent replacement of the descending aorta on day 84. Postoperatively, the patient needed time for recovery, but was discharged on day 158. Three years after discharge, there has been no recurrence of infection, and the patient has been visiting our outpatient clinic. We report a case of acute aortic dissection with rapidly enlarged aneurysm after MRSA bacteremia. This serious condition was succesfully cured with continued antibiotic treatment, two surgical resections and revascularization.

Third reported case of rare necrolytic migratory erythema associated with bacteraemia due to severe zinc deficiency after revisional Roux-En-Y gastric bypass: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a risk factor for zinc deficiency. After bariatric surgery, non-compliance to diet/vitamin supplements, surgical complications leading to vomiting/diarrhea, poor follow-up and malabsorption can precipitate or exacerbate pre-existing zinc deficiency. CASE REPORT: We report a patient with rare necrolytic migratory erythema associated with bacteraemia due to severe zinc deficiency after revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (following primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). CONCLUSION: Bariatric teams should screen patients before bariatric surgery for nutritional deficiencies and continue surveillance of their nutritional status after surgery. They should maintain a high index of suspicion for zinc deficiency in patients with skin rash after bariatric surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, case report.

The impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in adults: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia (PAB) is associated with high mortality. The benefits of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) has been demonstrated in Staphylococcal aureus bacteraemia and other complex infections. Impact of IDC in PAB is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management and outcomes in patients with PAB. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort single-centre study from 1 November 2006 to 29 May 2019, in all adult patients admitted with first episode of PAB. Data collected included demographics, clinical management and outcomes for PAB and whether IDC occurred. In addition, 29 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) stored isolates were available for Illumina whole genome sequencing to investigate if pathogen factors contributed to the mortality. RESULTS: A total of 128 cases of PAB were identified, 71% received IDC. Patients who received IDC were less likely to receive inappropriate duration of antibiotic therapy (4.4%; vs 67.6%; p < 0.01), more likely to be de-escalated to oral antibiotic in a timely manner (87.9% vs 40.5%; p < 0.01), undergo removal of infected catheter (27.5% vs 13.5%; p = 0.049) and undergo surgical intervention (20.9% vs 5.4%, p = 0.023) for source control. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 24.2% and was significantly higher in the no IDC group in both unadjusted (56.8% vs 11.0%, odds ratio [OR] = 10.63, p < 0.001) and adjusted analysis (adjusted OR = 7.84; 95% confidence interval, 2.95-20.86). The genotypic analysis did not reveal any PA genetic features associated with increased mortality between IDC versus no IDC groups. CONCLUSION: Patients who received IDC for PAB had lower 30-day mortality, better source control and management was more compliant with guidelines. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if these results can be validated in other settings.

Catabacter hongkongensis bacteremia identified by direct metagenomic sequencing of positive blood culture fluid, first case report in the US.

Catabacter hongkongensis, an increasingly recognized bacteria in clinical samples, was identified by direct metagenomic sequencing of positive blood culture fluid from a 55-year-old patient with colonic perforation. The bacteremia was cleared by both antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention. This is the first case report of C. hongkongensis infection in the US.

Forgoing transesophageal echocardiogram in selected patients with complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

Infective endocarditis (IE) has been increasingly recognized as an important complication of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), leading to a low threshold for echocardiography and extended treatment with anti-staphylococcal agents. However, outside of IE, many indications for prolonged anti-staphylococcal therapy courses are present. We sought to determine the frequency in which findings from a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) changed clinical SAB management in a large Canadian health region. Residents (> 18 years) with SAB from 2012 to 2014 who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and TEE were assessed. Patients potentially benefiting from an extended course of anti-staphylococcal agents were defined a priori. Patient demographics, treatment (including surgical), and clinical outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Of the 705 episodes of SAB that underwent a screening echocardiogram, 203 episodes underwent both a TTE and TEE, of which 92.1% (187/203) contained an a priori indication for extended anti-staphylococcal therapy. Regardless of TEE results, actual duration of therapy did not differ in SAB episodes that had ≥ 1 extended anti-staphylococcal therapy criteria (36.7 days, IQR 23.4-48.6 vs. 43.8 days, IQR 33.3-49.5, p = 0.17). Additionally, there were no cases in which TEE was utilized as the sole reason to shorten duration of therapy or proceed to surgery for those with SAB. Routine performance of TEE may be unnecessary in all SAB as many patients have pre-existing indications for extended anti-staphylococcal therapy independent of TEE findings. An algorithm to selectively identify cases of SAB that would benefit from TEE can reduce resource and equipment expenditure and patient risks associated with TEE.

Native valve endocarditis caused by E rysipelothrix Rh usiopathiae: presenting with refractory heart failure and requiring surgical valve replacement-report on a rare zoonosis.

Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that is ubiquitous in nature. The bacterium is a zoonotic pathogen known to infect wild and domestic animals. Human infections, however, are uncommon and typically present with localised or generalised cutaneous lesions. Systemic infection in the form of bacteraemia with seeding to various organs is the least common form of the disease. Infections in humans tend to be associated with occupational exposure and close contact with animals. Clinical data of a 61-year-old male patient with Gram-positive bacilli bacteraemia and E. Rh usiopathiae-induced endocarditis are presented here. The patient presented with refractory congestive heart failure secondary to severe acute aortic regurgitation mandating surgical valve replacement. The described case has special clinical merit given the lack of fever and leukocytosis, absence of erysipeloid cutaneous manifestations and refractoriness to medical management. E. Rhusiopathiae should be considered in the differential diagnosis for Gram-positive bacilli bacteraemia and endocarditis. In the proper clinical setting, occupational exposure and animal contacts are helpful clues to raise suspicion for this bacillus. The high mortality associated with the pathogen should urge for early identification and initiation of antimicrobial treatment.

Gangrenous gas necrosis of the spleen: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Splenic abscess usually arises from hematogenous spread. Causative pathogens are various and anaerobic pathogens are rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient who was admitted for sepsis due to gangrenous necrosis of the spleen associated with bacteremia. Causative pathogens were Clostridium perfringens and Streptococcus gallolyticus. The patient was successfully treated by splenectomy and targeted intravenous antibiotics. No underlying or predisposing disease was found. CONCLUSION: Gangrenous necrosis of the spleen is a rare entity that can be successfully treated by splenectomy and antibiotics.

Haematogenous prosthetic knee infections: Prospective cohort study of 58 patients.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare (incidence, 0.15% to 0.9%) but serious complication of knee arthroplasty. Haematogenous PJI of the knee (KhPJI) which accounts for 10% of cases, has been less studied than PJI due to other mechanisms. The primary objective of this study in patients with KhPJI of the knee was to determine the 2-year infection eradication failure rate after either exchange arthroplasty or arthrotomy/synovectomy/irrigation (ASI), combined with prolonged peri-operative antibiotic therapy, at a referral centre for complex osteo-articular infections. HYPOTHESIS: ASI within 2 weeks after symptom onset and one-stage exchange arthroplasty produce similar 2-year success rates in patients with KhPJI of the knee. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was performed in patients managed for PJI of the knee between 2003 and 2015. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of a septic event or of KhPJI -related death during a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: Of 265 patients with PJI after total knee arthroplasty, 58 (22.1%) had KhPJI with onset more than 3 months after the last arthroplasty procedure and were included in the study. Among them, one-third had immune deficiencies. The most common causative organisms were streptococci (n=25, 43%) and Staphylococcusaureus (n=20, 34%). The primary focus of infection was identified in only 64% of patients and was most often cutaneous (n=19, 33%) or dental (n=11, 19%). A septic event or KhPJI-related death occurred in 5/34 (15%) patients after one-stage exchange arthroplasty and 6/19 (32%) patients after ASI within 15 days after symptom onset (p=0.03). Patient characteristics, type of prosthesis, and causative organism were not significantly associated with failure to eradicate the infection. CONCLUSION: ASI carried a high failure rate despite being performed within 15 days after symptom onset. One-stage exchange arthroplasty seems to be the best surgical option, particularly as the exact time of symptom onset may be difficult to determine. Identifying and eradicating the primary focus of infection is crucial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, low-powered prospective cohort study.

Successful Lung Re-transplant in a Patient with Cepacia Syndrome due to Burkholderia ambifaria.

Chronic airway inflammation and infection drive morbidity and mortality among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). While Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus predominate in children, the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa increases as patients age. Other bacteria, including species within the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), are also more prevalent among adults with CF. Species within the Bcc accelerate lung function decline and can trigger development of "cepacia syndrome," both before and after lung transplantation. As a result, some centers advise against lung transplantation for Bcc-infected patients; however, little is known about the relative virulence of uncommon Bcc species. We describe a successful lung re-transplant in a patient with CF, chronic Burkholderia ambifaria airway infection, and cepacia syndrome.

Comparison between non-septic and septic cases in stone-related obstructive acute pyelonephritis and risk factors for septic shock: A multi-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed risk factors for septic shock in patients with obstructive acute pyelonephritis (APN) associated with upper urinary tract calculi in a multi-center retrospective study. METHODS: We studied 143 patients admitted to 4 hospitals in Japan with obstructive APN associated with upper urinary tract calculi. Data on gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, neurological disease or malignant disease, laboratory data (white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP)), drainage, and bacterial strains including Escherichia coli in the non-septic and septic groups were collected. Risk factors for septic shock were analyzed by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were a total of 107 non-septic cases (74.8%) and 36 septic cases (25.2%). The commonest strains of urinary tract infection-causative bacteria were E. coli in the non-septic group (23 cases, 21.5%) and septic group (13 cases, 36.1%) (p > 0.05). Emergency drainage was administered in 74.8% of the non-septic group and 97.2% of the septic group (p > 0.05). Meropenem was most often used as the initial treatment in the non-septic group (20 cases, 18.7%) and septic group (22 cases, 61.1%) (p < 0.0001). Risk factors for septic shock in multivariate analyses were diabetic mellitus (odds ratio (OR) = 3.591, p = 0.0098) and CRP ≥ 10 (OR = 1.057, p = 0.0119) as significant independent factors in this multicenter study. CONCLUSIONS: APN is a common infectious disease, especially in the cases with urinary tract obstruction where patients easily acquire bacteremia or sepsis. Stone-associated obstructed APN can cause fatal septic shock in cases with diabetes and CRP ≥ 10. Further prospective studies will be undertaken to draw definitive conclusions.

Spectrum of disease and outcome of primary amputation for diabetic foot sepsis in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

BACKGROUND: Primary amputation (stump closure) for diabetic foot sepsis is perceived to have a higher re-amputation rate due to stump sepsis. A guillotine amputation with elective stump closure is widely practised due to the lower risk of stump sepsis and re-amputation. AIMS: To provide an epidemiological analysis of the spectrum of disease and outcomes of primary amputation for diabetic foot sepsis in a regional rural hospital. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 100 patients who underwent surgery for diabetic foot sepsis over a 5-year period was undertaken at Madadeni Provincial Hospital, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Demographic data, co-morbid profile, radiographic features, anatomical level of vascular occlusion and type of surgery performed were recorded. The Wagner classification (Wag) was used to classify disease severity. Outcome measures included length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality and re-amputation rates. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, females (n = 50) accounted for 50% of admissions. The median age was 61 years (range: 29 to 80 years). Most patients presented with advanced disease: Wag 5, n = 71 (71%); Wag 4, n = 20 (20%); Wag 3, n = 7 (7%); Wag 2, n = 2 (2%). The anatomic levels of vascular occlusion comprised: aortoiliac disease n = 2 (2%), femoropopliteal n=21(21%) and tibioperoneal disease n = 77 (77%). The following surgical procedures were undertaken: above knee amputation (AKA), n = 35 (35%); below knee amputation (BKA), n = 46 (46%); transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), n = 8 (8%); toe ectomy, n = 8 (8%) and debridement, n = 3 (3%). The re-amputation rate to above knee amputation was n = 2/46 (4.3%). All AKA stumps healed completely. The overall in-hospital mortality was n = 7 (7%) and median length of hospital stay was 7.8 ± 3.83 days. CONCLUSION: Most patients present with advanced disease requiring a major amputation. A definitive one stage primary amputation is a safe and effective procedure for diabetic foot sepsis with distinct advantages of a short hospital stay, low reamputation rates and mortality. A guillotine amputation should be reserved for physiologically unstable patients.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and endocarditis - epidemiology and outcome: a review.

PURPOSE: To review the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) and endocarditis (SAE), and discuss the short- and long-term outcome. Materials and methods: A literature review of the epidemiology of SAB and SAE. RESULTS: The reported incidence of SAB in Western countries is 16-41/100,000 person-years. Increasing incidence has been observed in many regions, in Iceland by 27% during 1995-2008. The increase is believed to depend on changes in population risk factors and possibly better and more frequent utilization of diagnostic procedures. S. aureus is now the leading causes of infective endocarditis (IE) in many regions of the world. It accounts for 15-40% of all IE cases, and the majority of cases in people who inject drugs (PWID). Recently, the incidence of SAE in PWID in Stockholm, Sweden, was found to be 2.5/1000 person-years, with an in-hospital mortality of 2.5% in PWID as compared to 15% in non-drug users. The 30-day mortality associated with SAB amounts to 15-25% among adults in Western countries, but is lower in children (0-9%). Mortality associated with SAE is high (generally 20-30% in-hospital mortality), and symptomatic cerebral embolizations are common (12-35%). The 1-year mortality reported after SAB and SAE is 19-62% and reflects deaths from underlying diseases and complications caused by the infection. In a subset of SAE cases, valvular heart surgery is needed (15-45%), but active intravenous drug use seems to be a reason to refrain from surgery. Despite its importance, there are insufficient data on the optimal management of SAB and SAE, especially on the required duration of antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: The epidemiology of SAB and SAE has been changing in the past decades. They still carry a substantial morbidity and mortality. Intensified studies on treatment are warranted for improving patient outcome.

Septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee: retrospective case review. / Artritis séptica tras ligamentoplastia artroscópica de la rodilla: análisis retrospectivo de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of cruciate ligaments of the knee is a common injury that is repaired by arthroscopic reconstruction, which can give rise to septic arthritis. The objective of this article is to describe the clinical and microbiological aspects of this entity. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee that occurred at a single institution from 2000-2015. According to time elapsed from surgery, infections were classified as acute (< 14 days), subacute (> 14 days and<30 days), and late (> 30 days). A descriptive and comparative analysis stratified by type of infection and causative microorganism was performed. RESULTS: 3,219 patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee and 30 (0.9%) developed septic arthritis. Seventeen (57%) were acute infections and 12 (40%) subacute; there was one late infection. The causative microorganisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n=13; 43%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=12; 40%), other grampositive cocci (n=3; 10%), and gramnegative bacilli (n=2; 7%). All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement; no grafts were removed. All patients received antibiotic therapy for a median of 23.5 days (range: 14 - 78 days); all infections were cured. No significant differences were found in any of the variables analysed among the infection type or the causative microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis after arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee is uncommon. It generally presents within 4 weeks of surgery and is caused by Staphylococci. Its treatment consists of arthroscopic debridement (without necessarily removing the graft) and antibiotic therapy.

The influence of different debridement methods on the prognosis of elderly patients with diabetic foot ulcers and sepsis.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the influence of different debridement methods on the prognosis of elderly patients with diabetic foot ulcers complicated with sepsis. METHODS: Retrospective study was adopted to study 65 hospitalized elderly patients with Wagner Grade-4 diabetic foot ulcer and sepsis in Vascular Disease Department of Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital. Thirty-two cases were included in the thorough debridement group and the other 33 were included in the minor debridement group. We compared the mortality rates on the 7th day and 14th day after debridement, and monitored changes of sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) Score as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and D-Dimer (D-D) levels. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to analyze the mortality rates. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to screen relevant prognostic factors to see the prognostic value of SOFA Score, PCT and D-D. RESULTS: Fatality rates of the thorough debridement group on the 7th day and 14th day of the debridement were higher than those in the minor debridement group and such a difference has statistical significance. The CRP, PCT, and D-D of patients within seven days after thorough debridement were obviously higher than those of patients after minor debridement. CONCLUSIONS: Damage control should be provided for elderly patients with diabetic foot ulcers and sepsis when debridement is being performed. Palliative debridement methods such as small-scale incision and drainage are less likely to affect systematic inflammatory response and coagulation function, and thus can buy time for further treatment to improve clinical effect.