title: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator patch erosion presenting as hemoptysis.
abstract: Although the internal cardioverter defibrillator has prevented many premature deaths from lethal ventricular arrhythmias, some complications have occurred with its use. We present a patient who developed a fistula between the left ventricle and a bronchus, caused by erosion of the ventricular patch. The patient's presenting symptom was hemoptysis. Physicians caring for patients with these devices should be aware of this potential problem.
authors.affiliation: Scott & White Clinic, Temple, TX 76508.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Verheyden
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed