Twiddler's syndrome
Twiddler's Syndrome
Twiddler's syndrome (/ˈtwɪdlərz ˈsɪndroʊm/) is a rare but serious medical condition that primarily affects patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or pacemakers.
Etymology
The term "Twiddler's syndrome" was first coined in 1968 by L.E. Bayliss, who observed the condition in a patient who had manipulated or "twiddled" the pacemaker implanted in their chest, leading to device malfunction.
Definition
Twiddler's syndrome is characterized by the rotation or twisting of an implanted cardiac device within its pocket. This rotation can cause the leads, or wires, of the device to dislodge from their intended position in the heart, leading to device malfunction and potential cardiac complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Twiddler's syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the device displacement. Common symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and syncope. In severe cases, Twiddler's syndrome can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Twiddler's syndrome is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as chest X-ray or echocardiogram. The characteristic finding on imaging is a twisted or coiled appearance of the device leads.
Treatment
Treatment of Twiddler's syndrome typically involves surgical correction to reposition the displaced device and leads. In some cases, the device pocket may be modified or a new device may be implanted to prevent recurrence of the condition.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Twiddler's syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Twiddler's syndrome
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