Erosion of a right ventricular pacer lead into the left chest wall

Erosion of a pacer lead into the chest wall may result in pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade. Free rupture into the pleura or mediastinum can result in hypotension and cardiac arrest.We report a unique case of a right ventricular pacer lead which eroded through the right ventricle into the left chest wall and penetrated a rib. The patient presented with a tender chest wall mass without pericardial or pleural effusion. The segment of rib...