# Listeria Bacteremia With Septic Brachial Artery Thrombosis and Pacemaker Infection in an Elderly Woman With a Prosthetic Aortic Valve and Recurrent Pacemaker Implantation

## TL;DR

An elderly woman with a prosthetic aortic valve and pacemaker developed a severe Listeria infection, requiring pacemaker removal and long-term antibiotics.

## Contribution

Highlights the diagnostic challenges of Listeria infections in patients with prosthetic devices.

## Key findings

- Listeria monocytogenes was identified in blood and thrombus cultures.
- Pacemaker extraction and prolonged antibiotic therapy were required for treatment.
- Early blood culture collection is critical for diagnosing such infections.

## Abstract

A 77-year-old female with a history of coronary artery disease status post-coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and recent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for high-grade atrioventricular block presented with recurrent syncope, right brachial artery thrombosis, and persistent bacteremia. Blood and thrombus cultures grew Listeria monocytogenes, leading to pacemaker extraction and a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges associated with systemic Listeria infections in patients with prosthetic devices and emphasizes the importance of early blood culture collection in patients with unexplained clinical symptoms.