Lead Macrodislodgement of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Results in a Reel Problem

Lead macrodislodgement is a rare complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices associated with patient-related risk factors. This paper outlines a case of reel syndrome secondary to device manipulation 3 months after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and describes the challenges with lead macrodislodgement diagnosis, mechanisms, and management. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

A Presentation of Twiddler's Syndrome with Underlying Ratchet Mechanism

Twiddler's syndrome, reel syndrome, and ratchet phenomenon are rare causes of pacemaker lead displacement. The presentation of Twiddler's syndrome with underlying ratchet mechanism is quite rarely reported in literature. In this case report we present a 63-year-old male with a history of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who had his biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads dislodged and presented as sub-acute exacerbation of heart failure. This case highlights the underlying mechanism of twiddler's syndrome, its clinical presentation, management, and prevention.

Unique abdominal twiddler syndrome

Twiddler syndrome is an uncommon complication that occurs by twisting of the generator and may cause torsion, dislodgement, and injury of the leads. We report a rare case of a twiddler syndrome associated with an abdominal permanent pacemaker. Abdominal twiddler syndrome may possess a unique mechanism, which may not be seen in chest twiddler syndrome.

Reel Syndrome: An Atypical Cause for Inappropriate Shocks in a Patient with Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)

A 71-year-old woman, with the past medical history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) placement (for low EF 5-10%) in 2015, presented in February 2017 with the complaint of AICD shocks following an episode of vomiting. She denied any chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, palpitation, or dizziness. Electrocardiogram (EKG) on admission showed ectopic atrial rhythm with premature ventricular contractions in bigeminies, anterior fascicular block, and left axis deviation. On examination of the cardiovascular system, there was a normal S1 heart sound with a loud A2. There was no jugular venous distention on the neck or pitting edema on the legs. Laboratory studies showed no elevation of cardiac enzymes. Evaluation with chest x-ray showed the right ventricular lead had migrated to the right atrium and the defibrillator generator was flipped with leads coiled around it in transverse axis. AICD interrogation was performed which revealed inappropriate shocks were due to atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate and loss of capture of the right ventricular lead. The diagnosis of Reel syndrome was made, and an electrophysiologist was consulted for replacement of the AICD.

Reel syndrome is a variant of Twiddler’s syndrome, which is a rare complication of pacemaker implantation. It manifests with the rotation of generator on transverse axis with leads coiling around it. Twiddler’s syndrome, on the other hand, is the rotation of the generator on its long axis, which causes damage to the leads by twisting. Reel syndrome is usually observed within months from the placement of the generator compared to Twiddler, which takes years to occur. Twiddler and Reel's syndromes have similar contributing factors, such as female gender, obesity, large pocket, old age, dementia, and deep brain stimulation. Our patient only had two risk factors, namely, the sex and age.

We propose that every patient with a pacemaker malfunction and AICD shocks should have a posterior-anterior (PA) chest x-ray and a lateral chest x-ray in addition to AICD interrogation. Twiddler’s syndrome is effortlessly observed because of the twisting of dual leads compared to Reel syndrome, which is not straightforward because of the lack tortuosity of the leads.

Early detection of twiddler syndrome due a congestion alert by remote monitoring

There are often false‐positive alerts of thoracic impedance monitoring; however, the “false‐positive alerts” might indicate any clinical problem of patient. In the present case, an alert for a drop in intrathoracic impedance, which generally indicates exacerbation of heart failure, enabled early detection of twiddler syndrome.

Suicide attempt by complete self-removal of a 12-year-old permanent pacemaker system: case report

INTRODUCTION

Psychological adaption after pacemaker implantation can be challenging in patients with psychiatric disease. Suicide by self-removal of a permanent pacemaker system is a rare phenomenon described in a few cases in patients with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We describe a case of attempted suicide by complete self-removal of a 12-year-old permanent pacemaker system in a 70-year-old male patient with a bipolar disorder and a history of previous suicide attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicide attempt by self-removal of a permanent pacemaker system is very rare. In patients with a history of psychiatric disease and previous suicide attempts, careful information about the function of a pacemaker should be given.