Hypoxemia after implantation of a permanent pacemaker.
We describe a case in which the patient developed profound, intermittent hypoxemia after implantation of a permanent pacemaker and subsequently after revision of its leads. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated right-to-left shunting at the level of the atria in the presence of a patent foramen ovale that required closure, resulting in the resolution of symptoms. Our report highlights the fact that the presence of a patent foramen ovale with intermittent right-to-left shunting should be considered in a differential diagnosis of hypoxemia after implantation of heart rhythm devices.
Kantharia
Bharat K
BK
Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. bkantharia@yahoo.com
Moccia
Thomas F
TF
Nagra
Bipinpreet S
BS
Nakhjavan
Fred K
FK
D000368:Aged; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*