Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
08:56
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Atypical fibroxanthoma developing on a pacemaker pocket mimicking a pyogenic granuloma
M Carmen González-Vela1, Waleska Salcedo, Carlos Neira
1Service of Pathology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Cantabria, and IFIMAV, Santander, Spain.
Summary
Malignant tumors can rarely develop in pacemaker pockets. This case highlights an atypical fibroxanthoma, a rare soft tissue neoplasm, found in a pacemaker site, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Malignant tumors at pacemaker implantation sites are rare but documented.
- Pacemaker generators are implanted for cardiac rhythm management.
Observation:
- An 89-year-old man developed an exophytic tumor in his pacemaker pocket after 4 years.
- The tumor was initially misdiagnosed as pyogenic granuloma.
- Excisional biopsy confirmed atypical fibroxanthoma.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of atypical fibroxanthoma arising from a pacemaker pocket.
- Literature review identified four other malignant soft tissue tumors at pacemaker sites.
Implications:
- Routine physical examinations during pacemaker follow-up are crucial for early detection of associated neoplasms.
- Pathologists need awareness of potential neoplastic complications related to implanted devices.
- Early diagnosis of malignant neoplasms in pacemaker pockets can improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...