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Complete heart block complicating retrograde left-heart catheterization of patients with cardiac allografts
J B Sack1, R MacAlpin, R Gerber
1University of California, Division of Cardiology, Los Angeles 90024.
Insights
Complete heart block is rare during left-sided cardiac catheterization. However, it may be more frequent in patients who have received heart transplants (cardiac allografts).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplant Medicine
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Left-sided cardiac catheterization is a common diagnostic and interventional procedure.
- Complete heart block is a rare but serious complication of cardiac procedures.
Observation:
- Three cases of complete heart block occurred during left-sided cardiac catheterization in patients with cardiac allografts.
- These events highlight a potential association between cardiac allografts and this complication.
Findings:
- Complete heart block during left-sided cardiac catheterization appears to be more prevalent in patients with cardiac allografts.
- The underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider the increased risk of complete heart block in cardiac allograft recipients undergoing left-sided cardiac catheterization.
- Enhanced monitoring or modified protocols may be warranted for this patient population.
Abstract:
The development of complete heart block during left-sided cardiac catheterization is an uncommon event. We describe three cases of complete heart block complicating left-sided cardiac catheterization of patients with cardiac allografts. Review of the cases performed at our institution suggests that complete heart block during left-sided catheterization may be more common in patients with cardiac allografts.