Faculty Collaboration Database

Constrictive pericarditis associated with patch electrodes of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Chest 1987 Aug;92(2):369-71

Date

08/01/1987

Pubmed ID

3301224

DOI

10.1378/chest.92.2.369

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0023256499 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   25 Citations

Abstract

A case of constrictive pericarditis intimately involving patch electrodes of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is described. Typical clinical and hemodynamic findings for constrictive pericarditis were noted 15 months after lead installation. Additionally, chest x-ray examination revealed a severe crumpling deformity of the patch electrodes. Thoracotomy was performed and revealed marked fibrous reaction surrounding both surfaces of each patch electrode. Histologic examination revealed fibrous tissue with multinucleated giant cells, consistent with a foreign body reaction. The patient had complete resolution of signs and symptoms of constrictive pericarditis after removal of the patch electrodes and pericardial stripping. Constrictive pericarditis from implanted patch electrodes appears to be an uncommon complication of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and should be considered in patients with one or more patch electrodes and other signs of constrictive pericarditis.

Author List

Almassi GH, Chapman PD, Troup PJ, Wetherbee JN, Olinger GN

Author

G Hossein Almassi MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Electric Countershock
Electrodes, Implanted
Foreign-Body Reaction
Humans
Male
Pericarditis, Constrictive