Transient left bundle branch block induced by left-sided cardiac catheterization in patients without pre-existing conduction abnormalities

A traumatic left bundle branch block (LBBB) is uncommon in a patient with intact atrioventricular conduction. Three of our patients developed LBBB during a left-sided catheterization. Two patients suffered from angina pectoris and the other had an abdominal aneurysm. Two of them had a history of hypertension. None of the patients had ever shown any conduction abnormalities before the catheterization. The electrocardiogram just before the examination was normal in all 3 patients. LBBB was observed when a catheter was introduced into the left ventricle, and lasted 2--4 min without significant change in heart rates. Examination revealed no significant stenosis proximal to the first septal perforator and normal left ventricular contraction in all patients. One patient developed permanent LBBB 14 months later. Catheter-induced LBBB may occur easily with certain anatomical characteristics of the left bundle branch or the distal His bundle, with or without some concealed damage to the conduction system. It is important to keep this complication in mind and to pay adequate attention to patients' electrocardiograms as well as their angiographical findings, especially in those with pre-existing right bundle branch block.