A Case Report of Sepsis Post Cardiac Catheterization

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and cardiac catheterization are clean procedures done under aseptic precautions, but studies have shown transient bacteremia following the process, mostly involving Staphylococcus. This has many complications, from localized wounds at arterial access sites to endocarditis, mycotic aneurysm, and sepsis, and are associated with high mortality. These may require surgical intervention and prolonged antibiotic use. The risk of acquiring these infections is higher in femoral catheterization than in radial access. This risk also increases in patients with congestive cardiac failure, age 60 and above, and those with diabetes and obesity. Procedural hazards include multiple punctures and leaving the sheath for future access due to the needle tract's colonization. We present a case of sepsis presenting two days after PCI using single puncture radial access and a rapid downhill course.