Retained pacing wires (chest x-ray)

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Dry cough.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male

AP

Sternotomy, CABG and AVR.

Two retaining pacing wires projected over the left heart.

Lungs clear.

Old right clavicle fracture.

Case Discussion

The retained pacing wires are fairly subtle. Identification is of greatest importance if MR imaging is to be considered. They are usually accidently left after major cardiothoracic surgery.

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