A Forgotten Catheter for Two Decades: Catheter-Associated Tricuspid Endocarditis Managed With Percutaneous Debulking

TL;DR

A patient with a 20-year-old catheter developed tricuspid endocarditis and was successfully treated with a minimally invasive procedure.

Contribution

Presents a rare case of long-term catheter-associated endocarditis managed with percutaneous debulking.

Findings

A patient with a retained central venous catheter developed MSSA endocarditis after two decades.

Percutaneous debulking successfully treated the infection when traditional methods were insufficient.

The case emphasizes the risks of long-term catheter use and the value of innovative therapies.

Abstract

We herein report a rare case of catheter-associated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) endocarditis in a patient with a central venous access device retained for over 20 years. Diagnosis was delayed due to subtle clinical signs and limitations of initial imaging, but the patient was ultimately treated successfully with percutaneous debulking of the vegetation. This case highlights the risks associated with long-term catheter retention and underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care and innovative percutaneous therapies in high-risk patients.

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