Pneumopericardium and pneumothorax due to right atrial permanent pacemaker lead perforation

J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2015 Feb;59(1):74-6. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.12200. Epub 2014 Jul 1.

Abstract

A 75-year-old man presented with a spontaneous right pneumothorax and pneumopericardium following right atrial pacemaker lead perforation, which is a rare complication, with only two case reports being documented in the literature to the authors' knowledge. It is important that radiologists be aware of cardiac lead perforations, as they may be the first to diagnose this complication.

Keywords: cardiac imaging; cardiology; chest imaging; respiratory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects*
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Pneumopericardium / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Penetrating / etiology*