Implantable cardioverter defibrillator patch erosion presenting as hemoptysis.
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.
Verheyden
C N
CN
Scott & White Clinic, Temple, TX 76508.
Price
L
L
Lynch
D J
DJ
Knight
W L
WL
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