Transcatheter aortic valve implantation-related infective endocarditis: experience from an Irish tertiary referral centre.

Abstract

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation-related infective endocarditis (TAVI-IE) is a well-recognised and serious complication following TAVI. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, microorganism spectrum, and outcomes of TAVI-IE in an Irish context.MethodsA prospective registry was used to assess the baseline demographics, procedural variables, and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI between 2009 and 2020 at two tertiary referral Irish Hospitals.ResultsA total of 733 patients underwent TAVI during the study period. During a follow-up duration of 1,949 person-years (median 28 months), TAVI-IE occurred in 17 (2.3%) patients. The overall incidence was 0.87 per 100 person-years and the median time from TAVI to presentation with IE was 7 months [IQR: 5–13 months]. In those who developed TAVI-IE, the mean age was 78.7 years, 70.5% were male, and there was a trend towards more permanent pacemaker implantations post-TAVI (17.6% vs. 5.86%; p = 0.08). The dominant culprit microorganisms were streptococci (41.1%) and four (23.5%) cases were attributed to dental seeding. Major complications of TAVI-IE included one (5.8%) stroke, one (5.8%) in-hospital death, and two (11.7%) urgent surgical aortic valve replacements. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of survival at 1-year was 82% (95% CI = 55–95).ConclusionsThis Irish cohort of TAVI-IE exhibited a similar incidence and time to presentation compared to prior international registries; however, the 1-year mortality rate was comparatively lower. The need for rigorous dental clearance pre-TAVI and maintenance of dental health post-TAVI is underscored by the high prevalence of oral streptococcus species in this cohort.