Foreign Bodies in the Heart

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the heart may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Physicians should be aware of this rare and peculiar complications which may be fatal. Larger devices may result in more severe complications.

Cardioembolic strokes resulting from a self‐inflicted needle puncture involving both sides of the heart

“…Anecdotal evidence supports surgical removal for symptomatic foreign bodies in the heart, or those deemed at high risk for development of complications . There have only been a few cases of foreign bodies in the left ventricle, and therefore, no statistically robust recommendations are available for management.…”

“…Some causes of this include atrial fibrillation, rheumatic heart disease, valvular disease, and paradoxical emboli . Foreign bodies in the heart are a rare occurrence with just over a hundred published reports in the literature . Only four reported cases experienced predominantly central nervous system symptoms .…”

“…Foreign bodies in the heart are a rare occurrence with just over a hundred published reports in the literature . Only four reported cases experienced predominantly central nervous system symptoms . The vast majority of foreign bodies in the heart are iatrogenic or resulted from migration of devices such as inferior vena cava filters or ventriculo‐peritoneal shunts .…”

“…Only four reported cases experienced predominantly central nervous system symptoms . The vast majority of foreign bodies in the heart are iatrogenic or resulted from migration of devices such as inferior vena cava filters or ventriculo‐peritoneal shunts . Management options include surgical removal, percutaneous removal, or conservative surveillance .…”

“…2 Management options include surgical removal, percutaneous removal, or conservative surveillance. 2,3 Decisions surrounding optimal management are controversial due to the rarity of the condition and the risk-benefit ratio of surgical removal. As such, a multidisciplinary approach including patients' wishes or best interests is required to make decisions on management.…”