Work

Foreign body granuloma from retained temporary epicardial pacing wire disguised as a painful, nonhealing cutaneous nodule

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 76-year-old woman with a significant cardiac surgery and breast cancer history presented to the dermatology clinic with a three-year history of an enlarging, tender, nonhealing cutaneous nodule on her upper abdomen. A shave biopsy was attempted given concern for nonmelanoma skin cancer or cutaneous metastasis. The biopsy was halted after a white wire was visualized. Retrospective computed tomography (CT) imaging review revealed a hyperdense linear structure becoming superficial at the location of the nodule seen on examination. Discussion with a cardiothoracic surgeon revealed this wire was likely a retained temporary epicardial pacing wire that was placed at the time of the patient's cardiac surgery three years prior. The decision was made to excise the lesion to fully remove the wire. Given intraoperative resistance with traction, the wire was partially removed by cutting it flush to the skin's surface. The patient healed appropriately with complete resolution of her symptoms. This case is unique because the wire was fully visualized on the CT scan, and it was unable to be fully removed.

Source: Dermatology Online Journal

DOI: 10.5070/d331265298

Authors: Madelyn Class, Bansri M Patel, Kentaro Yamane, Kimberly M Ken

Institutions: Temple University, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Foreign Body Medical Cases

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300