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Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples
Published on: April 21, 2014
Complete atrioventricular block and infective endocarditis in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Takuji Katayama1, Yoshio Tsuruya, Susumu Ishikawa
1Division of Cardiology, Tokyo Kita Social Insurance Hospital, Japan. taku-iku-mm@fa2.so-net.ne.jp
Insights
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients with pre-existing conduction disturbances face a rare risk of complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Recognizing these blocks is crucial for preventing life-threatening cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a complex cardiac condition.
- Patients with HOCM can present with various conduction abnormalities.
- Infective endocarditis adds significant risk in cardiac patients.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male HOCM patient experienced complete atrioventricular (AV) block and cardiac arrest.
- Previous electrocardiogram showed a bifascicular block pattern.
- The patient also had native aortic valve infective endocarditis.
Findings:
- Complete AV block occurred in an HOCM patient without procedural cause.
- Surgical intervention included dual-chamber pacing, myectomy, and aortic valve replacement.
- The patient's pre-existing bifascicular block was a precursor to complete AV block.
Implications:
- Complete AV block is a rare but potentially fatal complication in HOCM.
- Early identification of cardiac conduction disturbances is vital in HOCM management.
- Proactive monitoring and intervention can mitigate risks associated with AV block in HOCM.
Abstract:
A 62-year-old man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) had complete atrioventricular (AV) block and subsequent cardiac standstill. A previous electrocardiogram revealed a bifascicular block pattern. Because he also suffered from infective endocarditis of the native aortic valve, surgical therapy (dual-chamber permanent pacing, myectomy of the left ventricular outflow tract, and valve replacement) was performed. Complete AV block unrelated to a procedure is a rare complication in patients with HOCM, but it may be life-threatening. Therefore, a pre-existing cardiac conduction disturbance should be specifically recognized as the aura of a higher degree of AV block.
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