This work sought to further clarify the contribution of medical imaging in the follow-up of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Right after implementing these devices, chest radiography must be performed in order to precisely evaluate the position of the leads and exclude potential complications. These images constitute the basis for early and late surveillance, thereby enabling the detection of anomalies that may explain any clinical symptoms or electric troubles. CT scanner or Doppler ultrasound may assist under certain circumstances.
What is already known about the topic?
While chest X-rays are routinely performed as part of the cardiac pacemaker monitoring, there are only few medical specialists – including radiologists – able to detect any visible complications on imaging.
What does this article bring up for us?
As part of the pacemaker monitoring program, this article sought to provide a reminder on the normal and pathological semiology in conventional thoracic radiography, as well as on potential role of ultrasound and CT.
Key Words
Implantable cardiac device, pacemaker, defibrillator, medical imaging, radiography