Pacemaker lymph node enlargement

I have a number of lymph nodes around ( that is the arm pit, and above collar bone) the site of my PM which is 3 years old. I have no signs of infection, and my fine needle biopsy/aspirate showed lymphoma in one node, and 'reactive' change in another. They took out the 'lymphoma node' and now the pathologist says that node is 'reactive change' only. I am wondering whether the PM is the cause?

The medical literature talks about inflammatory change in the pacemaker pocket. The mention of surrounding lymph node enlargement is not mentioned, though likely. I have no signs of infection/ inflammation, though do wonder whether because I do a lot of swimming, whether this has produced some inflammation of the implant site by friction/rubbing ( swim 130+ lengths a week).

Does anyone have any experiences to pass on about lymph node enlargement associated with well settled PMs? In 2006 a club member mentioned it. Perhaps you could check your armpits on the implant side?

I

1 Comments

Lymph node enlargement with Pacemaker

by Selwyn - 2012-02-04 05:02:18

It seems I may have found the answer to this one myself:

There IS an association between having a pacemaker and lymph node enlargement.

This is important and should be considered when looking at lymph node scans ( PET- CT) to avoid false positive findings! ( As I have experienced!), the journal article concludes.

At present, I am waiting to see a haematologist with my lymph nodes.

Should you be interested follow the link:

http://jnumedmtg.snmjournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/51/2_MeetingAbstracts/1612

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