Open AccessMedicine

Alex Koo, A. Stein, R. Walsh

2017.10.18Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2017.6.34398

tlooto Summary

A patient presented with clinical symptoms of dyspnea, leg swelling, and orthopnea several months after a dual-chambered pacemaker was placed for third-degree heart block, which can cause structural, molecular changes leading to cardiomyopathy.

Abstract

We present a case of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. The patient presented with clinical symptoms of dyspnea, leg swelling, and orthopnea several months after a dual-chambered pacemaker was placed for third-degree heart block. The echocardiogram demonstrated a depressed ejection fraction. Coronary angiography was performed, which showed widely patent vessels. Single- and dual-chambered pacemakers create ventricular dyssynchrony, which in turn can cause structural, molecular changes leading to cardiomyopathy. With early intervention of biventricular pacemaker replacement, these changes can be reversible; thus, a timely diagnosis and awareness is warranted.

Citation format

KOO, Alex; STEIN, A.; WALSH, R. Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine, 2017, 1: 362–364.