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What Does My X-ray Test Result Indicate?
Question: in 2007 I had open heart surgery. The other day I had a x-ray of the chest for an MRI clearance. They found 2 floating narrow metals on my left XXXXXXX above my heart just sitting there not attached to anything. Why the Radiologist who did this Xray doesnt have an answer other that it should not be there
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that during surgery, your breastbone (sternum) has been divided down the middle and then wired back together with permanent stainless steel/titanium wires or cables.
There are several complications even years after surgery involving these wires or cables, including their degradation and fracture, which can lead to a wrong position, complicated also with breastbone instability and dehiscence.
I would recommend consulting with your attending physician (cardiac surgeon) for a careful physical exam of your post-op wound and review your performed chest X ray study.
A chest CT scan may be necessary to examine better your chest, your breastbone and the position of these wires.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that during surgery, your breastbone (sternum) has been divided down the middle and then wired back together with permanent stainless steel/titanium wires or cables.
There are several complications even years after surgery involving these wires or cables, including their degradation and fracture, which can lead to a wrong position, complicated also with breastbone instability and dehiscence.
I would recommend consulting with your attending physician (cardiac surgeon) for a careful physical exam of your post-op wound and review your performed chest X ray study.
A chest CT scan may be necessary to examine better your chest, your breastbone and the position of these wires.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The breast bone wires are intact. There are very thin wires on the left side of the heart near my shoulder and I had pain in that left shoulder for 9 years. Could they have used a defibrillator or a temporary pace maker during the surgery and forgot to remove the wires. I am having them removed This doctor has been sued over 200 times for leaving in instruments and is no longer in the City where he practiced.
The wire is a temporary pacer wire used during surgery which should have been removed, My body because I have MS has beem attacking it and this is why my Lymth Glands have been swollen and my MS never went into remission.
The wire is a temporary pacer wire used during surgery which should have been removed, My body because I have MS has beem attacking it and this is why my Lymth Glands have been swollen and my MS never went into remission.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that a temporary pacing wire can not be excluded (especially when considering the fact that your breast bone wires are intact and the bad fame of your cardiac surgeon).
For a proper evaluation of the nature of the metal (the shape and the proper location) a chest CT scan is needed. You should consult with a radiologist and another cardiac surgeon (to consider its surgical removal if necessary).
Regarding MS, I do not think that its progression is related to the metalic wires on your chest. (You have other wires which are in your breastbone as well). Such a reaction has not been reported as an adverse effect.
From the other hand, you should know that there are several forms of MS (relapsing-remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive). The most advanced stage is always progressive.
Based on your age, I would explain that you are at the progressive stage of MS (where remission is quite impossible). So, try not to think about it and any connection between the two disorders.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that a temporary pacing wire can not be excluded (especially when considering the fact that your breast bone wires are intact and the bad fame of your cardiac surgeon).
For a proper evaluation of the nature of the metal (the shape and the proper location) a chest CT scan is needed. You should consult with a radiologist and another cardiac surgeon (to consider its surgical removal if necessary).
Regarding MS, I do not think that its progression is related to the metalic wires on your chest. (You have other wires which are in your breastbone as well). Such a reaction has not been reported as an adverse effect.
From the other hand, you should know that there are several forms of MS (relapsing-remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive). The most advanced stage is always progressive.
Based on your age, I would explain that you are at the progressive stage of MS (where remission is quite impossible). So, try not to think about it and any connection between the two disorders.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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