Does a PICC line cause endocarditis? - Answers

The answer to your question is no with a great big BUT after it and said in the same breath. Infections cause endocarditis. PICC lines are used to fight infection. However there are a few increased risk factors once a PICC line is introduced to the equation. If the PICC line is not properly maintained, cleaned and removed, then there is a much higher risk of bacteria affecting the heart structure as there is a direct pathway from the contaminated exterior of the body including the environment to the uncontaminated and isolated heart. When a peripheral PICC line is installed it's termination point us usually just above the aortic valve; therefore, any bacteria that enters the body through that venue has a much greater chance of incubating on the heart structure surfaces as the heart is the first organ the bacteria would meet once departed from the PICC line. Also at risk is the Aortic Heart Valve. The valve itself, once a PICC line is inserted, is exposed to higher concentrations of antibiotics over an extended period of time. The more toxic the antibiotic is, the more advantageous the use of a PICC line is. However, as a result, the Aortic Valve surface may become abraded almost like if someone had brushed a piece of sand paper over the surface. Once this condition is present, then any bacteria passing by has a much greater risk of landing a home - even after the PICC line has been removed and the current bacteria at issue has been eradicated. Suddenly infections on other areas of the body, even dental surgery (root canals) become more risky. I hope this answers your question and clarifies any other questions you may have regarding related PICC/Endocarditis questions.