USEFULNESS OF TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PACEMAKER LEAD INFECTIONS

Permanent pacemaker lead infection is a rare condition but can be fata l, and may be accompanied by a number of complications. A clinical dia gnosis is feasible, though it can be difficult. We report two patients with permanent pacemakers who developed fever of unknown origin with several habitual features of pacemaker lead infection. Transthoracic e chocardiography (TTE) was not definitive, while transesophageal echoca rdiography (TEE) detected vegetations on the electrode tips. The main clinical features suggesting this condition are described. The usefuln ess of echocardiography for diagnosis and patient management are discu ssed.