Automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator patch erosion into the upper airway presenting as a cavitary lesion

Chest. 1997 Oct;112(4):1144-6. doi: 10.1378/chest.112.4.1144.

Abstract

Erosion of an automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) patch into the lingular bronchus occurred 4 years after implantation; the erosion presented as a cavitary mass associated with hemoptysis and weight loss. On bronchoscopy to evaluate for suspected carcinoma, a cavity was entered through a bronchial defect and the AICD patch clearly identified. The complication was successfully treated with patch removal and fistula closure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology*
  • Bronchial Fistula / microbiology
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Weight Loss