Open AccessUnusual Presentation of Nickel Allergy Requiring Explantation of an Amplatzer Atrial Septal Occluder Device
Author(s) -
Rabkin David G.,
Whitehead Kevin J.,
Michaels Andrew D.,
Powell Douglas L.,
Karwande S.V.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.20427
Subject(s) - medicine , nickel allergy , patent foramen ovale , percutaneous , chest pain , surgery , cardiology , allergy , contact dermatitis , immunology
Systemic allergic reaction to a percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) occlusion device is a rare event with only scattered reports in the literature. Serious allergic reactions to these devices have a poorly defined incidence, presentation, and natural history. We present a woman with a previously unknown nickel allergy who developed severe chest pain beginning the morning after percutaneous device closure of the PFO. Despite multiple visits to her cardiologists and primary care physicians, the cause of her chest pain remained unclear. After seeking a second opinion at our medical center, skin testing showed a severe reaction to nickel. These symptoms were refractory to treatment until device explantation 18 mo later. This case highlights the importance of recognizing nickel allergy as a cause of chest pain following implantation of certain types of devices used for closure of PFOs and other heart defects. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.