Pacemaker, Artificial; Radiography/utilization; Heart-Assist Devices
A 67-year-old woman who underwent pacemaker implantation 4 days ago (A) consulted the emergency department with complaints of perception of muscle contractions on the right side of her chest. She did not have chest pain, dyspnea, or palpitations. Physical examination did not reveal any relevant findings. Electrocardiogram showed an absence of sensing or stimulation of the right atrium and right ventricle. Chest X-ray showed the displacement of the leads into the right atrium and the superior vena cava (B). Thus, she was referred to the cardiology department for lead repositioning.
A few months later, the patient presented with the same symptoms. A repeat chest X-ray showed a similar displacement of both the leads (C).
(A) Chest X-ray after pacemaker implantation (A). (B) Four days later, chest X-ray showed the displacement of the leads into the right atrium and the superior vena cava, with both the leads being wrapped around the pacemaker generator. (C) A few months later, a repeat chest X-ray showed a similar displacement of both the leads.
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
Mar 2015
History
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Received
17 July 2014 -
Reviewed
18 Sept 2014 -
Accepted
21 Oct 2014
