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Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis with split His bundle potentials. Electrophysiologic and pathologic
Insights
Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis can cause conduction system abnormalities. This case highlights the potential link between these findings and sudden cardiac death in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) is a significant cause of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
- Conduction system abnormalities are common in IHSS but their direct link to sudden cardiac death requires further elucidation.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old female with IHSS presented with left bundle branch block.
- Electrophysiologic studies revealed a prolonged His-bundle (HB) interval and split His potentials.
- Histological examination showed fibrotic changes in the His-Purkinje system, particularly disruption of the left bundle branch.
Findings:
- There was a strong correlation between the patient's electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic findings and the autopsy results of the conduction system.
- The prolonged HB interval and disrupted His-Purkinje system were significant findings in this patient with IHSS.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe conduction system disease in IHSS.
- The findings suggest that conduction abnormalities may contribute to the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with IHSS, possibly due to arrhythmias or outflow obstruction.
Abstract:
A 25-year-old white female had idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis proved by catheterization. The ECG revealed left bundle branch block. Electrophysiologic studies revealed normal PA and AH intervals, but the HB interval was prolonged (70 msec). The width of the His spike was 20 msec. A clear, reproducible split His potential was demonstrated with the atrial extrastimulus technique. Because the patient was symptomatic, a permanent pacemaker was inserted. One week later the patient died suddenly. Autopsy revealed an enlarged heart with a markedly thickened and sigmoid ventricular septum and a small and coarsely trabeculated lumen. Histologically the common bundle was situated on the right side of the septum. It was intact at its origin, but showed fibrotic changes more distally. The beginning of the left bundle branch was markedly disrupted as it traversed the septum. The right bundle was moderately fibrosed. There was excellent correlation between the electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic findings and the findings in the conduction system. The cause of the sudden death was related either to the outflow obstruction or to an arrhythmia, or both.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

