[Contact dermatitis following cardiac pacemaker implantation]

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 1996 Feb;89(2):253-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors report a case illustrating the causality between the appearance of contact eczema and the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. To the authors' knowledge, only 11 cases of eczema secondary to the implantation of a pacemaker have been previously reported, all in dermatological journals. In 60% of caes, the lesions were observed over the pacemaker implantation and the appearance of the rash varied from 2 days to 24 months. The causal allergens were mainly the metallic and plastic components. The physiopathological mechanisms, though not completely understood, are related to cellular immunity and therefore, to delayed hypersensitivity reactions. From the therapeutic point of view, locak steroid applications to limited excema lesions have been suggested but recurrence is common. The only effective treatment is removal of the allergen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / immunology
  • Eczema / diagnosis
  • Eczema / etiology*
  • Eczema / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nickel / adverse effects
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Skin Tests
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / therapy

Substances

  • Nickel