Irwin J M, Greer G S, Lowe J E, German L D, Gilbert M R
Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1987 Nov;10(6):1378-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1987.tb04973.x.
We report a patient in whom a chronic atrial lead perforated the right atrium and the right lung. This resulted in an hemopneumothorax and pneumomediastinum which was clearly documented by a chest computerized tomographic scan. The finding of pneumomediastinum should suggest atrial lead perforation. The utility of the chest computerized tomographic scan in diagnosing lead perforation is well illustrated by this case.
