Diphtheria-like Pseudomembranous Corynebacterium striatum Chronic Infection of Left Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Bridged to Heart Transplantation with Dalbavancin Treatment

<b>Background and Clinical Significance</b>: <i>Corynebacterium striatum</i> is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen increasingly implicated in infections among immunocompromised patients and patients with indwelling medical devices. <b>Case Presentation</b>: We report the probable first case of pseudomembranous inflammation associated with <i>C. striatum</i> infection in a 53-year-old male with an implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD) awaiting heart transplantation. The patient experienced recurrent episodes of <i>C. striatum</i> bacteremia despite multiple courses of targeted antibiotic therapy, including vancomycin, linezolid, tedizolid, teicoplanin, and dalbavancin. During urgent heart transplantation, pseudomembranous tissue surrounding the LVAD driveline was observed, and cultures confirmed <i>C. striatum</i> device infection. Histopathological analysis revealed necrotic elements and Gram-positive organisms consistent with pseudomembranous inflammation. <b>Conclusions</b>: The case describes the diagnosis and treatment of this rare infection, highlighting the pathogenic potential of <i>C. striatum</i>, its role in device-related infections, and the histopathological evidence of pseudomembrane formation.