Staphylococcal sepsis due to ventricular septal defect patch infection 14 years after its closure

We report the case of a 17 year-old girl who developed sepsis due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccocus Epidermidis (MRSE) infection of Dacron patch 14 years after ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure and 4 years after pacemaker implantation. Although MRSE grew in many cultures taken and proper antibiotic regimen was administered, no improvement in patient’s clinical status was observed. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure developed. An operation, at which perforated Dacron VSD-patch was replaced with a new Gore-Tex one, was performed by cardiac surgery team. The patient’s clinical status improved immediately after the procedure. The girl remained well 12 months after discharge. Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, 8: 938-940