Mobitz Type I Progressing to High-Grade AV Block: Beyond Wenckebach

Mobitz type I atrioventricular (AV) block is traditionally regarded as benign. However, when associated with underlying conduction system disease, it may reflect advanced disease pathology.

A 78-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with 3 days of progressive weakness. Initial electrocardiogram demonstrated Mobitz type I second-degree AV block with baseline left bundle branch block. Within 24 hours, her rhythm progressed to high-grade 2:1 AV block with ventricular rates in the 30s, unresponsive to atropine. She required emergent transvenous pacing followed by permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.

This case illustrates rapid progression of conduction disease from Wenckebach with left bundle branch block to high-grade AV block. Given the patient's unclear response to atropine and advanced conduction disease, early pacing was appropriate.

Mobitz type I AV block with concomitant bundle branch block should be recognized as a potentially high-risk conduction pattern requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.