A rare case of acute rheumatic fever with three different types of atrioventricular blocks in the same patient
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding
Published on: August 30, 2024
Kahraman Yakut1, Busra Eybek2, Elif Erolu3
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Abstract:
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a systemic autoimmune disease that results from abnormal immune response to group A streptococcus pharyngitis. Although first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block is the most common rhythm problem associated with the disease, other conduction abnormalities also could be seen. We reported three different types of conduction defects (first-degree AV block, second-degree AV block, and complete AV block) in a 15-year-old case diagnosed with ARF. A 15-year-old male patient presented with palpitation. Physical examination findings were unremarkable except dysrhythmic heart sounds. Acute phase reactants were positive, and electrocardiogram showed second-degree type I AV block at hospital admission. In the 2nd day of admission, right first metatarsophalangeal arthritis as well as arthralgia involved both knees and ankles developed. Echocardiography revealed moderate rheumatic mitral regurgitation. First-degree AV block with brief complete AV block episode was seen on 24 h rhythm Holter recordings. Based on clinical and laboratory findings, ARF diagnosis was made and anti-inflammatory therapy (naproxen sodium) with benzathine penicillin G was started to the patient. First-degree AV block lasted 3 weeks and other conduction disorders were not seen again first, second, and complete AV block which could be seen during ARF episode and ARF should be considered as a one of the causes of arrhythmias.
More Related Videos
08:42Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
08:10Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management