Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia from an infected superior vena cava thrombus

Abstract

Infection is among the leading causes of mortality for patients with end-stage renal disease. The placement of catheters for hemodialysis are common culprits of infection and have been associated with the development of complications such as venous thrombosis, bacteremia and thromboembolism. Calcification of a venous thrombus is a rare complication and infection of a right-sided thrombus can result in life-threatening septicemia and embolic complications. Herein, we describe the case of a 46-year-old patient found to have a calcified superior vena cava thrombus and bacteremia refractory to antibiotic therapy requiring surgical intervention under circulatory arrest to remove the infected thrombus gaining infectious source control and preventing future complications.