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Pneumothorax post permanent pacemaker insertion

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

CXR obtained routinely after permanent pacemaker insertion.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female

Chest x-ray

x-ray

Dual-lead PPM in situ. Absence of lung markings in the left apex suggest the presence of a pneumothorax although a lung edge cannot actually be demonstrated.

Inspiratory and expiratory films have been obtained. Left apical pneumothorax is confirmed best seen on the expiratory view. The apex of the partially collapsed lung reaches the sixth posterior rib.

Case Discussion

Pneumothorax is an uncommon complication of permanent pacemaker insertion. This patient's pneumothorax resolved spontaneously. 

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