Dizziness spells: Should one suspect the pacemaker?

Am J Emerg Med. 2019 Mar;37(3):563.e1-563.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.12.013. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Abstract

A 52-year-old lady presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of dizziness and near-syncope on awakening up or swinging her left arm. Initial rhythm strips demonstrated intermittently non-conducted p waves corresponding to inappropriate pacemaker inhibition and oversensing malfunction. Pacemaker was interrogated in the ED showing ventricular lead noise and decreased lead impedance over a one year period. The patient was diagnosed with pacemaker lead failure supported by correlating pacemaker lead variation with homolateral arm movement. The patient was referred to an electrophysiologist and underwent new right ventricular lead placement with the resolution of symptoms.

Keywords: Dizziness; Lead fracture; Pacemaker malfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dizziness / etiology*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Radiography
  • Syncope / etiology*
  • Thorax / diagnostic imaging