Evaluation of lead-based echodensities on transesophageal echocardiogram in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

INTRODUCTION: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is recommended to rule out endocarditis in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). A lead-based echodensity (LBE), however, is often found on TEE in patients with a CIED and may not represent an infection. We sought to evaluate the predictors, characteristics, and clinical significance of LBEs seen on TEE in patients with a CIED. METHODS: Patients with a CIED were retrospectively identified from a database using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/ICD-10 codes and were cross-matched with Current Procedural Terminology codes for a TEE. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. A blinded echo board-certified cardiologist reviewed all TEEs. RESULTS: Out of the 231 patients in the cohort, 191 had TEE performed for a noninfection-related indication while 40 TEEs were part of an endocarditis workup. A total of 50 LBEs were identified, and a majority were in the noninfection cohort. Systemic anticoagulant use in the noninfection cohort was associated with a decreased odds of having LBE on TEE (odds ratio [OR] of 0.23 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06-0.60, p = .003]). Lead dwell time in the noninfection cohort was associated with an increased odds of having LBE on TEE (OR 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04-1.39, p = .009]). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients who had TEE for noninfection indications we found that systemic anticoagulant use is associated with fewer LBEs on TEEs, suggesting possible thrombin fibrin composition of LBE.