Key result
POCUS rapidly identifies post-pacemaker RV lead perforation and massive hemothorax, guiding emergent intervention.
Why the study?
Cardiac perforation with hemothorax is an extremely rare complication after pacemaker implantation requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
Case Report (n=1)
POCUS is a valuable tool for the rapid diagnosis of rare but severe complications like lead perforation and hemothorax following pacemaker implantation.
Clinicians should consider rare lead perforation in post-pacemaker hemothorax; single case leaves open POCUS role for early detection.
Cardiac perforation associated with hemothorax represents an extremely rare complication following pacemaker implantation. We describe a case of right ventricular lead perforation through the pericardium resulting in a massive left-sided hemothorax. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was key to diagnose the lead migration and pleural effusion. We performed emergent percutaneous drainage of the hemothorax, device removal and replacement.
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Higny et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Cardiac perforation and hemothorax following pacemaker implantation (n=1). Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was evaluated on Diagnosis of lead migration and pleural effusion. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) successfully diagnosed right ventricular lead perforation and massive hemothorax following pacemaker implantation, guiding emergent drainage and device replacement.
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