[A rare cause of inappropriate shocks of an implantable automatic defibrillator. Twiddler syndrome]

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 1997 Jul;90(7):999-1002.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors report the case of a patient with an automatic defibrillator implanted by an endocavitary approach. The device emitted a series of inappropriate shocks. They were triggered by the detection of myopotentials resulting from lesions of the lead due to Twiddler's syndrome. This was reproduced by telemetry in real time and confirmed by chest and abdominal X-ray and the peroperative findings. Treatment consisted of ablation of all implanted material which was replaced by a new retropectoral model.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / etiology*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / surgery
  • Syndrome