Twiddler's syndrome: an unusual cause of pacemaker malfunction.
Sinus nodal dysfunction is common in the elderly and frequently requires a permanent cardiac pacemaker. Current pacemakers are extremely reliable but require ongoing monitoring to detect battery depletion and component or lead failure. This report describes a patient's manipulation of the pacemaker generator and proximal leads within the subcutaneous pocket with lead fracture and device malfunction. Diagnosis by chest X-ray and surgical revision are portrayed. Awareness of Twiddler's syndrome remains the key to its diagnosis.
Young
Kevin R
KR
Bailey
William M
WM
D000368:Aged; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000628:therapy; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000628:therapy; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013577:Syndrome