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Acute Rheumatic Carditis: A Rare Cause for Reversible Complete Heart Block
Omar A Abdul Ghani1, David Singh1
1The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI.
Acute rheumatic carditis can cause severe heart block in young adults. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can reverse this conduction system damage, avoiding permanent pacemakers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Acute rheumatic carditis is a rare but serious complication of streptococcal infection.
- It can affect the heart's electrical conduction system, leading to heart block.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male presented with fever, weakness, and joint pain.
- He was diagnosed with complete heart block and transient asystole, requiring transvenous pacing.
Findings:
- The heart block was attributed to acute rheumatic carditis.
- Conduction system function improved with Penicillin and high-dose Aspirin therapy.
- Permanent pacemaker implantation was not necessary.
Implications:
- Acute rheumatic carditis can manifest with significant conduction abnormalities.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reversible cardiac outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rheumatic carditis in young patients with unexplained heart block.
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