Transient fetal atrioventricular block: A series of four cases and approach to management

Fetal atrioventricular block (AVB) is a failure of conduction from atria to ventricles. Immune- and nonimmune-mediated forms occur, especially in association with congenital heart disease. Second-degree (2°) AVB may be reversible with dexamethasone and intravenous immunoglobulin in immune-mediated disease. However, once third-degree AVB develops, it is deemed irreversible with need for a pacemaker and risk for cardiomyopathy. Rarely, 2° AVB is a transient, benign phenomenon in the immature conduction system. Few case series of transient AVB have been reported, but a management approach has not been defined.

We report four patients with self-resolving, nonimmune fetal AVB and outline a management strategy.