Abstract

Twiddler's syndrome is a rare cause of pacemaker dysfunction characterized by coiling of the lead around the rotated generator. It is even less common for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) devices. We describe a 44-year-old woman who underwent successful implantation of an ICD and three months later presented with left arm twitching. Chest radiograph demonstrated the unusual dislodgement of the atrial lead only and rotation of the ICD generator. The diagnosis of Twiddler's syndrome with solitary atrial lead rotation was thus established. The ICD pacing mode was switched to VVI, which resulted in cessation of muscle contractions. She later underwent atrial lead revision, untwisting and reanchoring of the ICD generator without any complications.

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Authors

Ali RG, Navaravong L, Cui J, Stoenescu M

Institution

Department of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center-Tufts University School of Medicine, USA.

Source

Connecticut medicine 76:2 2012 Feb pg 81-3

MeSH

Adult
Defibrillators, Implantable
Equipment Failure
Female
Foreign Bodies
Foreign-Body Migration
Humans
Radiography, Thoracic
Reoperation
Treatment Outcome

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22670357