Atrial lead perforation: a case report.
We report a patient in whom a chronic atrial lead perforated the right atrium and the right lung. This resulted in an hemopneumothorax and pneumomediastinum which was clearly documented by a chest computerized tomographic scan. The finding of pneumomediastinum should suggest atrial lead perforation. The utility of the chest computerized tomographic scan in diagnosing lead perforation is well illustrated by this case.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000628:therapy*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology