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Constrictive pericarditis complicating endovascular pacemaker implantation
1Department of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|May 7, 2002
Insights
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare complication following endovascular pacemaker implantation. This condition can cause significant symptoms like dyspnea and edema years after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Endovascular pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.
- Complications, though rare, can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A patient presented with progressive dyspnea and peripheral edema.
- Symptoms persisted for four years after endovascular pacemaker implantation.
Findings:
- The patient developed a large hemorrhagic pericardial effusion post-implantation.
- Diagnostic evaluation confirmed constrictive pericarditis, an unusual complication.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering constrictive pericarditis in patients with delayed symptoms after pacemaker procedures.
- Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms and prevention of this rare complication.
Abstract:
A patient is described who has 6 months of progressive dyspnea and peripheral edema for 4 years following implantation of an endovascular pacemaker, which was complicated by a large hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Evaluation was consistent with constrictive pericarditis, which is an extremely unusual complication of pacemaker implantation.