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Wenckebach Block due to Hyperkalemia: A Case Report
Aparajita Sohoni1, Berenice Perez, Amandeep Singh
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda County Medical Center, Highland Hospital, Highland Campus, 1411 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA 94602, USA.
Emergency Medicine International
|November 3, 2011
Summary
Hyperkalemia can cause heart rhythm problems. This case study shows a rare Wenckebach heart block caused by high potassium, which resolved after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperkalemia, a common electrolyte imbalance, poses significant risks to cardiac function.
- Known hyperkalemia-associated dysrhythmias include complete heart block and Mobitz Type II second-degree AV block.
Observation:
- This report details an unusual case of Mobitz Type 1 second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, also known as Wenckebach block.
- The Wenckebach block was directly attributed to hyperkalemia in this patient.
Findings:
- The patient's Wenckebach block and associated symptoms resolved upon successful reduction of serum potassium levels.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring confirmed the resolution of the Wenckebach block, with subsequent findings indicating first-degree AV block.
Implications:
- This case highlights Wenckebach block as an infrequently reported, yet significant, cardiac dysrhythmia associated with hyperkalemia.
- Emergency physicians should be aware of this association for prompt diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia-induced cardiac conduction abnormalities.
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