Pacemaker lead thrombosis treated with atrial thrombectomy and biventricular pacemaker and defibrillator insertion

Combined transcatheter vegetectomy and leadless pacemaker implantation for endocarditis and complete heart block

We describe a case of culture-negative right-sided endocarditis for which simultaneous transcatheter vegetectomy was performed with leadless pacemaker implantation and removal of a temporary externalized pacing system. The patient did not have a recurrence of endocarditis highlighting the safety and efficacy of same-procedure vegetation removal and pacemaker implantation. This report documents a novel approach for the treatment of cardiac implantable electronic device-associated endocarditis in poor surgical candidates who are pacemaker-dependent.

Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Myocarditis Resulting from a Large Pacing-Lead-Associated Right Ventricular Thrombus in a Dog with Chronic Cough as Presenting Sign

In the present case report, we describe the clinical course and postmortem findings of a 12-year-old Labrador retriever dog with a third-degree atrio-ventricular block that developed a chronic cough, and later dyspnea and weakness as a result of massive pulmonary thromboembolism 3 years after implantation of a transvenous permanent pacemaker. A large soft tissue mass was seen in the right ventricular chamber around the pacing lead with echocardiography. Initially, this was thought to be caused by mural bacterial endocarditis based on hyperthermia, severe leukocytosis and the appearance of runs of ventricular tachycardia, the latter suggesting myocardial damage. While blood culture results were pending, antibiotics were administered without a positive effect. Due to clinical deterioration, the owner elected for euthanasia and a post-mortem examination confirmed a right ventricular thrombus and surrounding myocarditis, without signs of bacterial infection, and a massive pulmonary thromboembolism. We conclude that pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with a cough that have an endocardial pacing lead implanted. Serial screening for proteinuria before and after implantation of an endocardial pacing lead would allow timely initiation of prophylactic antiplatelet therapy. Local myocarditis can develop secondary to an intracavitary thrombus, which can subsequently lead to runs of ventricular tachycardia.

Pacemaker-lead-associated thrombosis in dogs: a multicenter retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Pacemaker implantation is the treatment of choice for clinically relevant bradyarrhythmias. Pacemaker-lead-associated thrombosis (PLAT) occurs in 23.0-45.0% of people with permanent transvenous pacemakers. Serious thromboembolic complications are reported in 0.6-3.5%. The incidence of PLAT in dogs is unknown.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

multicenter retrospective study of seven centers with 606 client-owned dogs undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation between 2012 and 2019. 260 dogs with a transvenous pacemaker with echocardiographic follow-up, 268 dogs with a transvenous pacemaker without echocardiographic follow-up and 78 dogs with an epicardial pacemaker.

RESULTS

10.4% (27/260) of dogs with transvenous pacemakers and echocardiographic follow-up had PLAT identified. The median time to diagnosis was 175 days (6-1853 days). Pacemaker-lead-associated thrombosis was an incidental finding in 15/27 (55.6%) dogs. Of dogs with a urine protein:creatinine ratio measured at pacemaker implantation, dogs with PLAT were more likely to have proteinuria at pacemaker implantation vs. dogs without PLAT (6/6 (100.0%) vs. 21/52 (40.4%), P=0.007). Urine protein:creatinine ratio was measured in 12/27 (44.4%) dogs at PLAT diagnosis, with proteinuria identified in 10/12 (83.3%) dogs. Anti-thrombotic drugs were used following the identification of PLAT in 22/27 (81.5%) dogs. The thrombus resolved in 9/15 (60.0%) dogs in which follow-up echocardiography was performed. Dogs with PLAT had shorter survival times from implantation compared to those without PLAT (677 days [9-1988 days] vs. 1105 days [1-2661 days], P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Pacemaker-lead-associated thrombosis is identified in 10.4% (27/260) of dogs following transvenous pacing, is associated with proteinuria, can cause significant morbidity, and is associated with reduced survival times.

A Shocking Discovery: Apical Thrombus Formation Post–Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Placement

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CRT-D is beneficial for patients in systolic heart failure with dyssynchrony.

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Complications after CRT-D placement can arise due to changes post–myocardial infarction.

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Apical thrombus can develop in a predisposed area in the left ventricle.

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CRT-D placement can worsen aneurysmal areas of the left ventricle.

Georgia G, Athanasios KI. Case report: recurrent thrombosis of an old lead of a DDDR pacemaker mimicking lead infection

Introduction

Thrombosis of the intracardiac part of a permanent pacemaker lead, which is usually detected during a routine transthoracic echocardiographic examination, can be totally asymptomatic. The differential diagnosis between intracardiac lead thrombosis and vegetation is crucial, especially in febrile patients, as these two situations are totally different regarding prognosis and treatment.

Case presentation

We describe the case of an 85-year-old patient with a dual chamber pacemaker (DDDR) due to complete heart block, who was admitted twice, within 2 years, with vegetation-like masses attached to the ventricular lead of the pacemaker. Infective endocarditis was not documented (diagnostic criteria were not fulfilled), although clinical suspicion was high during both hospitalizations. Masses resolved under applied treatment (anticoagulation) in both cases.

Discussion

Differential diagnosis between lead thrombosis and vegetation was ambiguous in both hospitalizations. Τhe ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography during the 2nd hospitalization excluded a possible inflammatory origin of the masses.

Cardiac implantable electronic device lead-based masses and atrial fibrillation ablation: a case-based illustration of periprocedural anticoagulation management strategies

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) leads frequently develop echogenic masses. However, the nature of these masses is not well understood. In patients in whom atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation is planned, there is concern that transseptal puncture may result in cerebrovascular embolism of these masses. The optimal therapeutic strategy in this setting remains undefined.

METHODS

We describe six patients identified over a 6-year period (2008-2014) with device lead-based masses prior to or at the time of AF ablation. We examined the anticoagulation strategy and periprocedural management based on mass identification.

RESULTS

In all six patients (age 39-73; four males), the device lead mass was found in the right atrium. The average mass size was 11 ± 1.3 mm. The majority of patients were already on anticoagulation (5/6; 83 %), and an intensified anticoagulation regimen was initiated (INR goal 3.0). In all six patients, the size of the device lead mass decreased on repeat imaging. In two sixths (33 %) patients, the lead-based mass completely resolved within 2 months. The remaining four patients had persistent lead-based masses (average follow-up of 10.9 ± 9.6 months).

DISCUSSION

We describe a series of patients with CIED lead-based masses found at the time of ablation. These cases illustrate that lead-based masses can disappear while patients are on high-intensity anticoagulation, most compatible with a thrombotic origin. These early data will need to be assessed in larger cohorts for further validation and evaluation of safety.

Complex Perioperative Decision-Making: Liver Resection in a Patient with Extensive Superior Vena Cava/Right Atrial Thrombus and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

The perioperative management of patients suffering from extensive superior vena cava (SVC) thrombus complicated by SVC syndrome presents unique challenges. The anesthesiologist needs to be prepared for possible thrombus dislodgement resulting in pulmonary embolism and also has to assess the need for fluid resuscitation given the dangers of massive intravenous fluid application via the upper extremities. We present our perioperative approach in management of a patient scheduled for right hepatectomy who was previously diagnosed with extensive SVC and right atrial (RA) thrombus complicated by SVC syndrome.

Pacemaker lead-associated thrombosis in cardiac resynchronisation therapy

Pacemaker lead-associated thrombosis is a possible complication of any cardiac implantable electronic device. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with a history of ischaemic left ventricular failure, who presented with fever and other non-specific symptoms 4 months after cardiac resynchronisation therapy. A transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a vegetation-like structure originating from the pacemaker lead in the right atrium. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics followed by open heart surgery in order to remove this mass as well as the pacing device, including all three pacing leads. Histology and culture of the retrieved mass confirmed a sterile thrombus with no features to suggest an infected mass (vegetation). The patient made an uncomplicated recovery and there were no long-term sequelae on follow-up during the 2 years after the event.

Pulmonary embolism in patients with transvenous cardiac implantable electronic device leads

BACKGROUND

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are commonly associated with transvenous lead-related thrombi that can cause pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively evaluated all patients with transvenous CIED leads implanted at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1 January 2000, and 25 October 2010. Pulmonary embolism outcomes during follow-up were screened using diagnosis codes and confirmed with imaging study reports. Of 5646 CIED patients (age 67.3 ± 16.3 years, 64% men, mean follow-up 4.69 years) 88 developed PE (1.6%), incidence 3.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.68-4.07] per 1000 person-years [men: 3.04 (95% CI 2.29-3.96) per 1000 person-years; women: 3.81 (95% CI 2.72-5.20) per 1000 person-years]. Other than transvenous CIED lead(s), 84% had another established risk factor for PE such as deep vein thrombosis (28%), recent surgery (27%), malignancy (25%), or prior history of venous thromboembolism (15%). At the time of PE, 22% had been hospitalized for ≥ 48 h, and 59% had been hospitalized in the preceding 30 days. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 22% despite being on systemic anticoagulation therapy. Out of 88 patients with PE, 45 subsequently died, mortality rate 93 (95% CI 67-123) per 1000 person-years (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Though lead-related thrombus is commonly seen in patients with transvenous CIED leads, clinical PE occurs with a low incidence. It is possible that embolism of lead thrombus is uncommon or emboli are too small to cause consequential pulmonary infarction.

Fatal cardiac thromboembolism in a patient with a pacemaker during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureter stone: a case report

Intracardiac thrombosis is an infrequent and fatal complication in patients with an inserted pacemaker. A patient with an inserted pacemaker scheduled for ureter stone removal experienced cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation under general anesthesia. Echocardiography showed multiple intracardiac thrombi. Preoperative diagnostic workup including echocardiography for the detection of pacemaker lead thrombus, and the need for anticoagulation should be considered in patients with an inserted pacemaker and high-risk factors for thrombosis.

A case report: mixed thrombus formation in a previously sutured right atrium

We describe the case of a 19-year-old Chinese woman who nine months prior underwent repair of an atrial septal defect and came to our hospital with a right atrial mass attached to the anterior wall of the right atrium on transthoracic echocardiography. Pathologic examination revealed the mass was a mixed-type thrombosis with some unusual organization, which previously was not described in literature.

Right giant atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism complicating pacemaker leads

We describe a case of a patient with bilateral pulmonary embolism because of a giant intracardiac thrombus anchored on a right atrial pacemaker lead treated with unfractionated heparin and the consecutively complete thrombus resolution after 5-6 days.

Risk factors and prognosis for clot formation on cardiac device leads

BACKGROUND

Clot formation on cardiac device leads is poorly understood. We sought to determine how often clot is seen on device leads by transthoracic echo (TTE), identify risk factors, and to describe the natural history of this phenomenon.

METHODS

We reviewed 71,888 echocardiographic studies performed at the University of California, San Francisco from 2005 to 2011. We searched for cases where clot was found adhered to a device lead with no diagnosis of endocarditis. For every case, three age-matched controls with a device but no clot were selected from the echo database.

RESULTS

We found 15 cases with clot adhered to a device lead among 1,086 patients with devices who had TTE (1.4%). In univariate analysis, females had more than four times greater odds of having a clot on their device lead and patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) had an eight times greater odds. Percentage mode switch was also associated with clot formation. Only AF was still associated with clot formation after multivariate analysis. Follow-up data were available for nine of 15 patients. All nine patients had intensification of their anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimen following clot discovery. Complete resolution or shrinkage of clot was observed in eight of nine patients. The one case with no change was a patient who continued taking only aspirin (higher dose) after clot discovery. None of the nine patients had embolic phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AF are at higher risk for clot formation on device leads. After clot detection, treatment with anticoagulants usually results in resolution of the clot without embolic phenomenon.

Pacing device therapy in infants and children: a review

The number of pediatric pacemakers implanted is still relatively small. Children requiring pacing therapy have characteristics that are distinct from those of adults, including physical size, somatic growth, and cardiac anomalies. Considering these features, long-term follow-up of pediatric pacemaker implantation is necessary. Selection of appropriate generators, pacing modes, pacing sites, and leads is important. Generally, epicardial leads are commonly used in small infants. On the other hand, the use of endocardial leads in children is increasing worldwide because of their benefits over epicardial leads, such as minimal invasiveness, lower pacing threshold, and longer generator longevity. Endocardial leads are not suitable for patients with intracardiac shunts because of the high risk of systemic thrombosis. Venous occlusion is another significant problem with endocardial leads. With the increase in the number of pacing device implantations, the incidence of infection from such devices is also increasing. Complete device removal is sometimes recommended to treat device infection, but experience in the removal of endocardial leads in children is still scarce. This article gives an overview of pacing therapy in the pediatric population, including discussions on new pacing systems, such as remote monitoring systems, magnetic imaging compliant pacemaker systems, and leadless pacing devices.

Right atrial thrombus secondary to pacemaker wires

BACKGROUND

Pacemaker-induced right atrial thrombus is a rare condition that has not been described in the Emergency Medicine literature. This is a potentially fatal condition that is diagnosed with an echocardiogram and treated with surgical removal, thrombolytics, or long-term anticoagulation.

OBJECTIVES

This case report is designed to increase awareness among emergency physicians of this potentially fatal condition.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a patient with a massive right atrial thrombus secondary to pacemaker wire who presented to the Emergency Department with syncope, bradycardia, and rapid hemodynamic deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physicians should be aware of this life-threatening entity. Emergency bedside cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram may be of value in its early identification.

Biventricular pacemaker lead thrombosis: a rare case treated with surgical thrombectomy

Right cardiac thrombosis is an infrequent complication after pacemaker implant. We report a patient who received a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator, with a large mobile thrombus, adherent to the left ventricular lead. This catheter was partially dislocated, with a large, mobile loop through the right atrium and right ventricle; so the lead thrombus could alternately obstruct the pulmonary valve and the tricuspid valve. We believe that this is the first case of left ventricular lead thrombosis, in which the surgical treatment included thrombectomy with conservation of the catheter that was anchored to the internal right atrial wall in order to limit its great motility, maintaining the contribution to the cardiac resynchronization.

Right atrial thrombus masquerading as intracardiac cyst: a case report

Intracardiac cystic lesions are rare. Hydatid disease, blood cysts and bronchogenic cysts in various chambers of the heart have been reported. Right atrial thrombus presenting as a cystic lesion on echocardiogram has not been reported. We describe a patient with mitral regurgitation in atrial fibrillation with a right atrial cyst, which was found to be a cavitating thrombus.