Probable postcardiotomy syndrome following implantation of a transvenous pacemaker: report of the first case.

The syndrome of fever and pericarditis is reported following implantation of a transvenous pacemaker in a 72-year-old man. The pacemaker was placed for prophylactic reasons (i.e., presence of bifascicular block). The syndrome resolved spontaneously after over four weeks of fever and a pericardial friction rub. Perforation of the right ventricle, although not recognized in this patient, is a complication which occurs with passage of a transvenous pacemaker. There was no other antecedent events to explain the syndrome such as myocardial infarction or trauma to the chest.