[Complete atrioventricular block and acute abdominal pain: initial symptoms in a case of rheumatic fever]

Delayed atrioventricular conduction, as reflected in prolongation of the P-R interval, is commonly found and is a non specific finding in acute rheumatic fever (minor manifestation). Prolongation of atrioventricular conduction may lead to second-degree A-V block, while a complete heart block is a rare event with or without Stokes-Adams attacks. In these cases temporary pace-maker may be usefully employed. Another uncommon symptom of acute rheumatic fever is abdominal pain, which occurs in fewer than 5% of patients, and is usually vague and not acute. An unusual case of onset of rheumatic fever characterized by acute complete heart block and acute abdominal pain simulating appendicitis is reported.