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Symptomatic upper extremity venous thrombosis associated with permanent transvenous pacemaker electrodes
Chest
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Arm vein thrombosis from cardiac pacing electrodes is rare but serious. Treatment with streptokinase followed by anticoagulation effectively resolved symptoms in two patients, suggesting an aggressive approach is beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Permanent transvenous cardiac pacing electrodes can lead to symptomatic arm vein thrombosis.
- This complication occurs in 1-3% of patients with cardiac pacing devices.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with symptomatic arm vein thrombosis.
- Both patients had permanent transvenous cardiac pacing electrodes.
Findings:
- Treatment involved streptokinase followed by heparin and warfarin.
- Near-total resolution of thrombosis was achieved in both cases.
- Patients remained asymptomatic during 9 and 20-month follow-ups.
Implications:
- An aggressive treatment strategy may reduce morbidity associated with this complication.
- Early intervention with thrombolysis and anticoagulation appears effective.
- This approach could improve long-term outcomes for patients with pacing-induced thrombosis.