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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
11:21

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

Pathology of chronic A-V Block

M J Davies

    Acta Cardiologica
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Idiopathic bilateral bundle branch fibrosis is the most frequent cause of permanent atrioventricular block, accounting for 33% of cases. Other causes include ischemic damage, calcific atrioventricular block, and cardiomyopathies.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • Permanent atrioventricular (A-V) block is a significant clinical condition with diverse underlying causes.
    • Understanding the etiology of A-V block is crucial for diagnosis and management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify and quantify the common causes of permanent A-V block in a cohort of 177 patients.
    • To delineate the spectrum of idiopathic bundle branch fibrosis, including Lev's and Lenègre's diseases.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 177 cases of permanent A-V block.
    • Categorization of causes based on pathological findings and clinical data.

    Main Results:

    • Idiopathic bilateral bundle branch fibrosis was the most common cause (33%), encompassing Lev's and Lenègre's diseases.
    • Ischemic damage accounted for 17% of cases, often following septal infarction.
    • Calcific A-V block (10%) and cardiomyopathies (14%) were other significant etiological categories.
    • Numerous other rare causes were identified, including tumors, congenital defects, and iatrogenic damage.

    Conclusions:

    • Idiopathic bilateral bundle branch fibrosis is the predominant cause of permanent A-V block.
    • A comprehensive etiological workup is necessary for chronic A-V block, considering both common and rare causes.

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