Complete congenital heart block. Report of 35 cases.

Abstract

Congenital complete atrioventricular block is uncommon, and the outlook is usually regarded as favourable. Thirty-five patients with congenital heart block are presented. There was no obvious sex difference and their ages ranged from 12 days to 85 years, though most were under the age of 20 years when first seen. Accompanying heart disease was noted in six, but presentation with symptoms in early infancy was a more serious risk factor in our experience. Permanent pacing was required in 21, three of whom were neonates. One of the 14 unpaced patients died unexpectedly at the age of 5 years. Long term supervision is necessary, as most will require permanent pacing before their 50th birthday.

A case of an acquired high-degree AV block in a pregnant woman

“…If present, it is usually related to a congenital complete heart block; in fact, 30% of the cases of congenital complete heart block remain undiscovered until adulthood and may therefore present during pregnancy. 1 In our patient, however, a previous pregnancy was unremarkable, with the child delivered by Caesarean section (due to poor progression of labour). Hospital charts recorded normal heart rates and blood pressures, also during the surgical procedure.…”

Bradyarrhythmias in pregnancy: a case report and review of management

“…3,4 Approximately 70% of patients with bradyarrhythmias present in childhood and therefore the incidence of newly diagnosed CCHB during pregnancy is small. 3,5 Most cases reported in the literature suggest that uncomplicated bradyarrhythmia during pregnancy results in a favourable outcome for mother and baby and in the absence of significant underlying heart disease, major problems seem rare. 6,7 Though no maternal deaths due to arrhythmias are reported in the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, symptomatic bradycardia during pregnancy creates a potential if not an absolute risk for mother and fetus, 2,8,9 and a mother with this condition should be managed by a multidisciplinary team in a centre with the appropriate expertise.…”

Anesthetic Management of a Parturient with Congenital Complete Heart Block posted for Emergency Lower Segment Cesarean Section

“…In addition, 30% of congenital CHBs remain undiscovered until the patient reaches adulthood, and in female patients it may present during any stage of pregnancy. 4 The causes for the acquired AV conduction blocks can be due to fibrosis of the conduction system, ischemic heart disease, the use of certain negative chronotropic and dromotropic drugs, increased vagal tone, valvular heart diseases, cardiomyopathies, congenital disorders like transposition of the great vessels, electrolyte disturbances, autoimmune diseases, systemic diseases, such as Lyme disease. 5,6 Our patient probably had a block below the level of AV node.…”