Successful treatment of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium mediastinitis associated with left ventricular assist devices

Ann Thorac Surg. 2003 Nov;76(5):1719-20. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(03)00560-5.

Abstract

We present 2 cases of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium mediastinitis associated with left ventricular assist devices in the setting of heart transplantation. Despite complicated operative courses and deep infection secondary to antimicrobial resistant organisms, both patients were successfully treated and have remained infection free in the long term.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Enterococcus faecium / drug effects*
  • Enterococcus faecium / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinitis / drug therapy*
  • Mediastinitis / microbiology
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / microbiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vancomycin Resistance*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents