Cardiac perforation by a pacemaker lead is a rare complication of pacemaker implantation. Presentation can vary from chest pain and shortness of breath to the patient being completely asymptomatic. Diagnosis is usually made by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest. Electrocardiograph (EKG) usually shows the absence of a paced rhythm, but it doesn't provide a definitive diagnosis. We describe a case of late cardiac perforation by an atrial pacemaker lead with no signs or symptoms of pericardial tamponade.
Keywords: displaced; lung; pacemaker; penetrating; perforation.