A challenging pacemaker implantation in the presence of a giant right coronary aneurysm compressing the right atrium

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2021 Nov 22;92(2). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2021.2048.

Abstract

Giant coronary artery aneurysm is an uncommon disease, treated with surgical intervention or percutaneous coil embolization. A thrombosed aneurysm can cause extrinsic compression on the cardiac chambers, with potential hemodynamic effects and may cause problems when we need to implant a cardiac device. We present a case of difficult pacemaker implantation in a patient with 3 syncopes, first-degree AV block and complete left bundle branch block on electrocardiogram. The patient presented a giant aneurysm of the right coronary artery (85 x 90 mm), thrombosed, with right atrial compression. The pacemaker implantation was hampered by the difficulty of passing the lead through the compressed right atrium; indeed, only with simultaneous echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance, was it possible to complete the procedure. This case demonstrates the utility of echocardiogram, in particular settings, in cardiac stimulation procedures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Block* / etiology
  • Bundle-Branch Block
  • Coronary Aneurysm* / diagnosis
  • Coronary Aneurysm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial* / adverse effects