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Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

Seizures and syncope due to complete atrioventricular block in a patient with acute myocarditis with a normal left

Ryohei Akashi1, Yoshihisa Kizaki, Hiroaki Kawano

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sasebo Chuo Hospital, and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan.

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A man experienced seizures and syncope due to acute myocarditis, a heart inflammation. Prompt treatment resolved his complete atrioventricular block and improved heart function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Acute myocarditis can present with diverse cardiovascular manifestations.
  • Fever and preceding viral illness are common in myocarditis cases.
  • Complete atrioventricular block is a serious complication of myocarditis.

Observation:

  • A 43-year-old male presented with seizures and syncope following a febrile illness.
  • Electrocardiography revealed complete atrioventricular block with significant pauses.
  • Echocardiography showed mild left ventricular hypertrophy, but preserved ejection fraction.

Findings:

  • Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acute myocarditis.
  • The patient's complete atrioventricular block resolved spontaneously after admission.
  • Left ventricular wall thickness normalized during hospitalization.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe conduction abnormalities in acute myocarditis.
  • Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing myocarditis complications.
  • Resolution of AV block suggests the inflammatory process was reversible.

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