When Delay Becomes Danger: Sudden Progression of First-Degree to High-Grade Block

While a first-degree block is benign, a high-grade block often reflects conduction failure requiring device placement.

A 63-year-old man with a past medical history of hypertension, known first-degree atrioventricular block, and remote endocarditis presented with cellulitis and fatigue. Electrocardiogram(s) revealed alternating Mobitz 1 and high-degree blocks.

The patient was offered an electrophysiology study to evaluate the location of the block but elected for pacemaker placement. The sudden transition from a first-degree to 2:1 block is unusual for a vagal block, suggesting the possibility of a complete block with an isorhythmic junctional escape rhythm.

An abrupt transition between a first-degree and high-grade block should prompt evaluation for a 2:1 block with a shortened PR interval vs a complete heart block with an isorhythmic junctional escape rhythm. Exercise and other noninvasive measures can help determine chronotropic incompetence with lack of PR shortening and clue diagnosticians into an infranodal conduction disorder.