Angioedema presumably caused by hypersensitivity reactions to pacemaker implantation

Metal allergies, including hypersensitivity to medical devices, are thought to have decreased with the increasing number of medical devices made of titanium. However, cases of angioedema as well as local reactions have been reported after implantation of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in patients. We report the case of a man in his 80s who experienced left arm swelling after pacemaker implantation 10 years previously, experienced recurrence of left arm swelling, and was diagnosed with angioedema after pacemaker battery exchange. Angioedema should be listed as a differential diagnosis for edema of the arm in patients implanted with implantable cardiovascular electronic devices.

Angioedema due to metal allergies should be listed as a differential diagnosis for edema of the arm in patients implanted with implantable cardiovascular electronic devices even in a pacemaker implanted 10 years previously.