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Left hemothorax: an unusual complication of delayed right ventricular perforation by a permanent pacemaker lead

Marek Pojar1, Martin Vobornik, Jiri Novy

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. marek.pojar@centrum.cz

Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|March 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac ventricle perforation from a pacemaker lead is rare. This case highlights delayed right ventricular perforation presenting as a left hemothorax, an unusual complication of permanent pacemaker implantation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • Cardiac ventricle perforation is an infrequent complication associated with pacemaker (PM) implantation.
  • Delayed perforation, though uncommon, can occur following permanent PM lead placement.

Observation:

  • A case report details a patient experiencing delayed cardiac ventricle perforation.
  • The perforation originated from a permanent pacemaker lead in the right ventricle.
  • The clinical presentation mimicked other conditions, manifesting as a left hemothorax.

Findings:

  • The study highlights a rare instance of delayed right ventricular perforation by a pacemaker lead.
  • The diagnostic challenge was compounded by the unusual presentation as a left hemothorax.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering lead perforation in patients with unexplained hemothorax post-pacemaker implantation.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of potential complications associated with permanent pacemaker leads.
  • It emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for lead perforation, even with delayed and atypical presentations.
  • The findings may inform improved diagnostic and management strategies for pacemaker-related cardiac injuries.

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