title: Automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator patch erosion into the upper airway presenting as a cavitary lesion.
abstract: Erosion of an automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) patch into the lingular bronchus occurred 4 years after implantation; the erosion presented as a cavitary mass associated with hemoptysis and weight loss. On bronchoscopy to evaluate for suspected carcinoma, a cavity was entered through a bronchial defect and the AICD patch clearly identified. The complication was successfully treated with patch removal and fistula closure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0528, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lick
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Conti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D015431:Weight Loss