Chest radiographs after permanent pacing. Are they really necessary?
The chest radiographs of 600 consecutive patients undergoing insertion of a permanent cardiac pacemaker were reviewed to determine the incidence and nature of abnormalities present. Abnormalities were detected on the chest radiographs of 131 patients (21.8%). Unsatisfactory electrode tip position and other features related to the electrode wire were commonest (14.4%). Complications related to the lungs and pleura were present in 5.5%, and those related to the generator and pouch least frequent (1.9%). Complications occurred more frequently following installation of a replacement system (48.3%) compared to new systems (17.2%). Important complications not initially detected included pneumothorax (8/15) and poor electrode loop (26/27). Chest radiographs following permanent cardiac pacing frequently demonstrate significant abnormalities whose detection is improved by awareness of their incidence and nature.
Grier
D
D
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Cook
P G
PG
Hartnell
G G
GG
D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D004739:England; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies