Subacute pneumothorax contralateral to the venous access site associated with atrial lead perforation in a patient who was receiving corticosteroid therapy

J Arrhythm. 2017 Aug;33(4):335-337. doi: 10.1016/j.joa.2017.03.003. Epub 2017 May 4.

Abstract

Pneumothorax contralateral to the venous access site due to the right atrial lead is an uncommon complication. Concomitant steroid use is known as a risk factor of pacemaker lead perforation. We report a rare case of subacute contralateral pneumothorax due to a screw-in atrial lead perforation that occurred after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation in a patient who was receiving steroid therapy. The pneumothorax disappeared, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up with close observation alone.

Keywords: Contralateral pneumothorax; Pacemaker lead perforation.