[The x-ray clinical picture and evaluation criteria of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator systems].
Since the first implantation of an automatic cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in February 1980, the therapy of ventricular tachyarrhythmia has been changed drastically. The original therapy with antiarrhythmic agents has been increasingly replaced by the implantation of the ICD. The radiologist should be aware of the different types of ICDs and their normal appearance, because thorax radiography is often used during regular routine follow-up of the ICD system. The different types of ICDs, their normal radiological appearances, the indications and the implantation technique are discussed in the present study. The radiologist has to interpret the radiographs with respect to the electrodes, the device and changes in heart configuration. Major migration of electrodes is visible, but the detection of little changes in configuration is only possible with the help of serial radiographs. If extraperitoneal placement of the device is suspected, an ultrasound examination should be obtained. An important complication for the radiologist is a possible deactivation of some devices by electromagnetic interference.
Leppert
A
A
Abteilung für Diagnostische Radiologie I, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
Nolte
C
C
Trappe
H J
HJ
Galanski
M
M
D000075202:Contraindications; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans
Röntgenologische Erscheinungsbilder und Beurteilungskriterien von implantierbaren Kardioverter-Defibrillatorsystemen.