Abstract 15725: Non Existing Pacemaker: A Complication of Kyphoplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis of cement emboli remains challenging due to heterogenicity of diagnostic findings. We describe a case of cement embolism interpreted as abandoned pacemaker leads. Case description: A 76-year-old female underwent lumbar kyphoplasty. In the post-anesthesia care unit, she developed multiple asymptomatic episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Her lab work including basic metabolic panel, electrolytes, and troponin was unremarkable. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed intracardiac foreign body interpreted as abandoned pacemaker wires originating at the superior vena cava with one terminating in the right ventricular (RV) apex and the other in the right atrial (RA) appendage (Figure 1). Chest computer tomography (CT) confirmed intracardiac pacemaker wires. The patient denied any history of pacemaker placement. TTE and CT images were reviewed again with multiple other opinions stating that the foreign body represented dense cement from the vertebral body. It exited through a paravertebral vein into the inferior vena cava making its way to the right heart (Figure 2). Coronary angiography confirmed an elongated cement embolus. The patient underwent cement removal through sternotomy. Conclusions: Diagnosis of cement embolism may remain challenging as it can mimic any foreign bodies including pacemaker wires. Suspicion for the diagnosis should remain high in any patient who underwent kyphoplasty and developed cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiac symptoms. Image 1. A - Pacemaker lead passing through RA to the RV. Image 2. A- cement material in the right heart. B- Cement extravasating through right paravertebral vein.