Twiddler's syndrome

Twiddler's syndrome is a malfunction of a pacemaker due to manipulation of the device and the consequent dislodging of the leads from their intended location. As the leads move, they stop pacing the heart and can cause strange symptoms such as phrenic nerve stimulation resulting in abdominal pulsing or brachial plexus stimulation resulting in rhythmic arm twitching.[1] Twiddler´s syndrome in patients with an implanted defibrilator may lead to inadequate, painful defibrillation-shocks.[2]

Twiddler's syndrome
Chest radiograph showing twiddler's syndrome. The leads of the automated external defibrillator are wrapped around the device and can't be seen in the ventricle.
SpecialtyCardiology

References
  1. Bayliss C, Beanlands D.S., et al. (August 1968). "The pacemaker-twiddler's syndrome: a new complication of implantable transvenous pacemakers". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 99 (8): 371–373. PMC 1924435. PMID 4952398.
  2. Asbach, Stefan; Brunner, Michael; Zehender, Manfred; Bode, Christoph; Faber, Thomas S. (December 2005). "Multiple inappropriate defibrillator discharges due to Twiddler's syndrome". Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. 117 (23–24): 801–801. doi:10.1007/s00508-005-0480-2. ISSN 0043-5325.
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