Work

Pacemaker Lead Endocarditis Secondary to Staphylococcus aureus Infection From a Flash Glucose Monitor Insertion Site in a Patient With Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems are widely used in diabetes care, although cutaneous complications remain uncommon. However, FGM insertion-site infections can serve as a portal for Staphylococcus aureus, potentially leading to systemic complications in high-risk patients. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes who presented with fever, confusion, and cellulitis at an FGM site. Cultures confirmed persistent S. aureus bacteremia. Imaging revealed deep glenohumeral joint infection requiring surgical washout. Despite an initially normal transthoracic echocardiogram, persistent bacteremia prompted transesophageal echocardiography, which demonstrated a pacemaker lead vegetation. He underwent complete device extraction and received prolonged IV flucloxacillin. This case highlights the potential for FGM-site infections to progress to septic arthritis and pacemaker lead infective endocarditis, emphasizing early recognition and aggressive management.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.108483

Authors: Kyaw Linn, Hamza Al-Hayek, Zahra Parsian, Sanjalee Dalpathadu

Institution: York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7160647237