Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Resident Cardiac Macrophages from the Murine Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Node
Published on: May 7, 2021
Successful Everolimus Therapy for Atrioventricular Block Due to Cardiac Rhabdomyoma Associated With Tuberous
Shigehito Baba1, Junichi Ozawa1, Hirofumi Tsuru1
1Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan.
Background:
Cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR) associated with the tuberous sclerosis complex can cause atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB) by compressing the AV node. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is known to shrink these tumors and alleviate obstruction and tachycardia; however, improvement in AVB has not been previously described.
Case Summary:
A 25-year-old woman was found to have a fetus with subependymal nodules and multiple CRs. After birth, an electrocardiogram demonstrated a persistent 2:1 AVB with a ventricular rate of 60 to 70 beats/min. Echocardiography revealed CRs, including one near the AV node. Everolimus was initiated before considering permanent pacemaker implantation. CRs regressed on echocardiography, and the AVB resolved. After discontinuation of everolimus, no tumor regrowth was observed.
Discussion:
In this case, the AVB resolved with rhabdomyoma regression. Although permanent pacemaker implantation was initially considered, everolimus successfully prevented further therapy.
Take-Home Message:
Everolimus may be a therapeutic option for AVB due to CR compressing the AV node.
Related Concept Videos
Ecological Succession
Gene Therapy
Block Diagram Reduction
The first step in this process is the identification and relocation of a branch point. A branch point, where a...
Elements of Block Diagrams
A block diagram typically includes essential elements such as comparators, blocks, and feedback loops. Each of these elements...
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order...

