Multiple electrocardiographic anomalies during anaesthesia in an athlete

A 22-year-old athlete was scheduled for a minor surgical procedure under general anaesthesia. During anaesthesia, his electrocardiogram demonstrated multiple episodes of dysrhythmias including complete bundle branch block, atrioventricular (AV) block, isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation with junctional rhythm. Administration of atropine 1.0 mg IV terminated the last episode of dysrhythmias. Postoperatively, a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram showed first degree AV block, ST-segment elevation and prominent U waves. A 24 hour Holter recording demonstrated first degree atrioventricular block, episodes of marked sinus arrhythmias and one episode of sinus tachycardia at a rate of 152 beats X min-1. Treadmill stress testing revealed peak achieved heart rate of 200 beats X min-1 without ischaemia. These findings collectively indicated athletic heart syndrome. Implications of athletic heart syndrome for the anaesthetist are reviewed and discussed.