Right paracardiac mass due to organized pericardial hematoma around retained epicardial pacing wires following aortic valve replacement

Abstract

The use of temporary epicardial pacing wires during cardiac surgery is a routine procedure and has been associated with low morbidity. We describe a rare case of right paracardiac mass due to organized pericardial hematoma with right atrial compression around the epicardial pacing wires left in-situ, presenting three months following aortic valve replacement surgery. The case highlights the fact that such delayed complications can rarely occur around retained epicardial pacing wires following open heart surgery especially in patients on oral anticoagulants. The clinician should be alert to such an occurrence and during follow-up echocardiography always pay attention not only to the valve and ventricular function, but also to the pericardial and extra-pericardial space. © 2011 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.