Acute Chest Pain Following Bravo Device Placement

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Device-related Complications

Background:

• The Bravo device is a temporary esophageal pH monitor used for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• It is placed endoscopically and naturally passes within 7-10 days.
• Its transient nature makes it an uncommon finding on medical imaging.

Observation:

• A case is presented of a patient with acute chest pain who had recently undergone Bravo device placement.
• The device, though typically well-tolerated, can cause significant discomfort.
• It appeared as an unusual finding on imaging studies.

Findings:

• The Bravo device can be misidentified as a more serious foreign body on imaging.
• Its presence is a crucial consideration in the differential diagnosis of chest pain.
• The device is a contraindication for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Implications:

• Radiologists and clinicians must be aware of the Bravo device to avoid misdiagnosis.
• Proper identification prevents unnecessary invasive procedures or patient anxiety.
• Understanding its contraindication for MRI ensures patient safety during diagnostic workups.