Case Report: III° atrioventricular block due to fulminant myocarditis managed with non-invasive transcutaneous pacing

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Fulminant myocarditis is a severe cardiac condition characterized by myocardial inflammation.
• It often leads to acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
• High mortality rates are associated with delayed or inadequate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of third-degree atrioventricular block secondary to fulminant myocarditis.
• To highlight the successful management of this critical condition using non-invasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed.
• Management focused on non-invasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was not utilized.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with third-degree atrioventricular block due to fulminant myocarditis.
• Non-invasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing successfully reverted the cardiac arrhythmias.
• This approach proved safe and effective in the absence of ECMO.

Conclusions:

• Fulminant myocarditis poses a significant risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, such as complete heart block.
• Non-invasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing offers a viable, safe, and effective alternative for managing these arrhythmias.
• Prompt intervention with appropriate pacing can be life-saving in fulminant myocarditis cases.