Syncope due to paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block in a patient with aortic valve stenosis

Yasuhito Sekimoto1, Yuji Nishizaki, Masahiro Sesoko

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Japan.

Insights

Severe aortic valve calcification can spread to the heart

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease.
  • Syncope is a concerning symptom in patients with AS.
  • Cardiac conduction abnormalities can occur in AS.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old male presented with recurrent syncope.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed complete atrioventricular block (CAVB).
  • The patient had moderate aortic stenosis with a severely calcified aortic valve.

Findings:

  • Severe aortic valve calcification extended into the cardiac conduction system.
  • This calcification was the likely cause of the complete atrioventricular block (CAVB).
  • CAVB, though not a primary symptom of AS, can manifest as syncope in these patients.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, albeit uncommon, mechanism linking aortic valve calcification to cardiac conduction abnormalities.
  • Clinicians should consider CAVB in the differential diagnosis of syncope for patients with severe aortic stenosis and valve calcification.
  • Understanding this association may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in valvular heart disease.

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