A case report: metastatic complete heart block.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Though primary malignant tumours of the heart are rare, secondary metastatic affection of the heart is quite common. Common presentations include pericardial effusion, obstruction of inflow and outflow tracts and arrhythmias, most notably tachyarrhythmias, and very rarely complete heart blocks (CHBs).Case summary
A 28-year-old man suffering from carcinoma of the tongue underwent a surgery in the form of radical hemimandibulectomy. He presented with recurrent syncope and CHB with broad complex escape rhythm. After performing echocardiography, he was found to have malignant infiltration of the interventricular septum. This was confirmed by performing cardiac positron emission tomography (PET). It was decided that a permanent pacemaker would then be implanted. Post-implantation of permanent pacemaker patient succumbed to massive haemoptysis after 5 days.Discussion
Although CHBs are rare in malignancy and careful assessment of ECGs especially looking for first degree heart blocks which may progress to CHB later on is prudent. One must rule out hypercalcaemia as it is a reversible cause of CHB. Careful echocardiogram can show hyper enhancement on interventricular septum and presence of pericardial effusion. Further imaging like cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac PET is confirmatory.
SUBMITTER: Kumar D
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6426093 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Abstract Background Complete heart block (CHB) means a lack of association between the atrium and the ventricle. Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte disorder that rarely causes CHB. Case summary Hereby, we report the case of a 59-year-old male who was admitted with general weakness. The electrocardiography (ECG) changes revealed CHB, short QT interval due to short ST segment, and generalized ST elevation. The initial calcium level was 15.8 mg/dL (high), and serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and phosphorus were normal. A chest computed tomography scan showed a large, central mass with cavitation in the right lung. After an initial diagnosis of lung cancer and paraneoplastic hypercalcemia, the patient was treated with normal saline, calcitonin, and zoledronic acid, whose calcium levels decreased to 10.4 mg/dL after 4 days. Pathological ECG findings were also resolved after the correction of serum levels of calcium. Discussion Hypercalcemia sometimes occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome following the production of PTH-related peptide by malignant cells, including squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Complete heart block associated with paraneoplastic syndrome has been reported so far in only one study.
| S-EPMC9856270 | biostudies-literature
Project description:An 81-year-old woman presents with shortness of breath resulting in a diagnosis of picornavirus and complete heart block. Troponin was elevated and there was concern about acute coronary syndrome. The final diagnosis after echocardiogram and coronary angiogram was Takotsubo syndrome in addition to the heart block which required pacemaker insertion.
| S-EPMC7453273 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSince the pandemic began in 2020, Remdesivir has been widely used for the treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Here, we describe a case of a patient with COVID-19 who developed transient complete atrioventricular (AV) block and bradycardia after initiating treatment with Remdesivir.Case summaryA 72-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation and lung cancer was hospitalized for COVID-19. Electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission demonstrated atrial fibrillation and right bundle branch block. He was started on a course of Dexamethasone and Remdesivir. Within 24 h of starting Remdesivir, he was noted to be in atrial fibrillation with ventricular rates between 30 and 40 b.p.m. On Day 5 of Remdesivir therapy, ECG demonstrated complete AV block. Having completed the Remdesivir regimen, during the next 48 h, he was closely monitored, and the AV block resolved spontaneously. As he remained asymptomatic and had an adequate chronotropic response with activity, pacemaker implantation was not recommended.DiscussionDespite the widespread use of Remdesivir, there is little known information about its cardiac toxicity. Daily ECGs and close cardiac surveillance of patients who develop severe bradycardia or AV block are essential. Discontinuation of the medication usually results in the resolution of these cardiac disturbances.
| S-EPMC8247739 | biostudies-literature
Project description:RationaleComplete heart block (CHB) is a common clinical manifestation. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare etiology of CHB that has not received enough attention. Whether pacemaker implantation is required remains inconclusive, especially when patients have no symptoms or mild symptoms of CHB.Patient concernsIn this study, we report the case of a 48-year-old Chinese male who suffers from SSc and CHB.DiagnoseThe patient was previously diagnosed with left anterior hemiblock (LAHB) and right bundle block with normal heart function. CHB was observed on a regular follow-up electrocardiogram (ECG) examination 1 month before his hospitalization.InterventionsA permanent dual chamber pacemaker was implanted.OutcomesThe patient responded well to pacemaker implantation treatment, and his exertional dyspnea disappeared.LessonsThe occurrence of heart block associated with SSc often appears concealed. The case highlights the importance of regular follow-up of a patient with SSc. Pacemaker implantation might be unavoidable if CHB is secondary to SSc, even if it is asymptomatic.
| S-EPMC6257444 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAortic stenosis is a progressive disease that frequently remains undiagnosed until late in the disease course. In patients that present with symptoms of heart failure and a systolic murmur at a young age, a congenital valvular abnormality must be on the differential. With patients that have accelerated symptoms of aortic stenosis and valvular dysfunction, a unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) could be present. A UAV is often difficult to distinguish from a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) on transthoracic echocardiography. In patients with congenital valvular abnormalities an ascending aortic aneurysm can also be present. Aortic stenosis changes the jet of fluid emerging from the aortic valve leading to an increased risk for aortic aneurysm dissection and rupture. The gold standard treatment for aortic stenosis secondary to a congenital valvular abnormality is valve replacement. A known risk of aortic valve replacement is conduction abnormalities. In this case, we present a patient with a unicuspid valve who postoperatively develops complete heart block leading to pacemaker implantation.Case summaryWe present a case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male with no prior medical history who presented with progressively worsening exertional dyspnoea and palpitations for 7 months. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a BAV, however, further work up confirmed a unicommissural aortic valve with severe aortic stenosis and moderate regurgitation along with an ascending aortic aneurysm. Aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair via the Bentall procedure was successfully completed with postoperative course being complicated by a complete heart block and subsequent permanent pacemaker placement.DiscussionWhen assessing patients with symptoms of heart failure with a systolic murmur that suggests aortic stenosis at a young age, a UAV must be kept on the differential. The symptoms of aortic stenosis and valvular dysfunction are accelerated in UAVs when compared with BAVs. Currently, the treatment for patients with congenital valvular abnormalities presenting with aortic stenosis is aortic valve replacement using traditional open surgery. A known sequelae of isolated aortic valve replacement is conduction abnormalities that can sometimes lead to permanent pacemaker placement. After the confirmation of unicuspid or bicuspid valve postoperatively, it is important to report any postoperative conduction abnormalities. This is because, currently, there is no literature that compares the incidence of conduction abnormalities after unicuspid replacement to that of other BAV syndromes.
| S-EPMC6458860 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundHyperostosis-hyperphosphataemia syndrome (HHS) is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent painful swelling of long bones and periosteal new bone formation.Case summaryA 6-year-old boy was referred to our centre due to bradycardia. He was diagnosed with HHS 3 years' prior, after investigation for the cause of joint pain and genu valgum. During medical follow-up in 2013-16, the paediatric cardiologist discovered thickened and calcified mitral and aortic valves and progression of cardiac conduction disturbance from 1st degree to 3rd degree atrioventricular block (AVB). The patient died in 2017 due to multiorgan failure caused by hyperphosphataemia and ectopic calcification.DiscussionOur case is unique in that ectopic calcification occurred in the aortic, mitral valve and cardiac conduction system, and AVB progressed from 1st degree to 3rd degree over time despite treatment with high-dose phosphate binders.
| S-EPMC6439360 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of manifestations, including cardiovascular disorders. The most frequent clinical signs are sinus bradycardia and pericardial effusion. The affected patient generally has significant symptoms. Hypothyroidism infrequently results in a complete atrioventricular block. Case presentation A 19-year-old girl presented to our cardiology clinic with generalized tiredness, edema in her lower limbs and face, constipation, and a menstruation abnormality in the previous six months. With a normal ejection fraction on echocardiography, an electrocardiogram revealed complete atrioventricular block. When she was admitted, her laboratory testing showed that she had severely raised Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels, severe dyslipidemia with normal electrolytes, and normal liver and kidney function tests. The patient was treated with 50mg Thyroxine to her. She had significant improvement within two weeks of treatment. Up on the next follow-up (at one-month), her electrocardiogram returned to normal sinus rhythm without any evidence of atrioventricular block and that the lipid profile had returned to normal. Clinical discussion In its first stages, hypothyroidism can not show any obvious symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism over time can lead to a variety of health issues, including obesity, joint discomfort, infertility, and heart disease. This current case demonstrates how levothyroxine medication successfully managed a young female patient's severe hypothyroidism, difficult total heart block, severe hyperlipidemia, and long-standing menstrual irregularity. Conclusion We found that overt hypothyroidism caused a complete atrioventricular block and severe dyslipidemia, and that thyroxin therapy completely corrected both conditions. Highlights • We have seen a literature review the importance of finding out possible underlying cause of.complete heart block before intervention.• Thyroid dysfunction can cause severe complication like complete heart block,dyslipidaemia and menstrual dysregulation.• According to reports, levothyroxine alone can correct both av block and dyslipidaemia in the setting of hypothyroidism.• Here we present a case of severe hypothyroidism complicating complete heart block and hyperlipidemia which was successfully treated with Levothyroxine.
| S-EPMC9793124 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundComplete heart block (CHB) as a first presentation of acute viral myocarditis is a rare occurrence associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In such cases, an endomyocardial biopsy is recommended to make a clear histological diagnosis aiding to differentiate from other possible conditions such as sarcoiditic myocarditis, giant cell myocarditis, and eosinophilic myocarditis. Insertion of a permanent pacemaker may be considered on a case-to-case basis.Case presentationA previously healthy 21-year-old female presented to the emergency department after having suffered two episodes of syncope on a background of a few days' history of myalgias, chills, and rigors. Electrocardiogram showed high-grade Mobitz II block with intermittent periods of CHB. A bedside echocardiogram upon admission demonstrated normal biventricular systolic function. Given the patient's unstable haemodynamic status and lack of obvious reversible causes for the CHB, a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker was inserted urgently. Initial blood investigations indicated an ongoing inflammatory process highlighting the possibility of myocarditis as a cause of the CHB. Therefore, a troponin level was taken and was noted to be elevated confirming the suspicion of myocarditis. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased over the following days to approximately 20%, clinically resulting in pulmonary oedema and acute shortness of breath. The patient required aggressive intravenous diuresis and anti-heart failure medication. An endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic myocarditis. The patient's condition improved secondary to an improvement in LVEF and resolution of the heart block. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging performed 6 weeks from admission reported an improved LVEF of 51% with no late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Based on the reassuring CMR findings and the resolution of CHB on follow-up pacemaker checks, it was deemed safe to explant the pacemaker.ConclusionsAcute myocarditis may be complicated with high-degree AV block and cardiogenic shock necessitating close observation in a critical care unit. A permanent pacemaker may provide atrio-ventricular synchrony which helps stabilise the patient's condition and protect from a prolonged period of heart block. Early myocardial fibrosis on EMB and degree of LGE on CMR are indicators of persistent atrioventricular block. Guideline-directed treatment of heart failure is essential.
| S-EPMC10468464 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundRight-sided tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis can be difficult to identify and may be under-recognized in the absence of traditional risk factors. While generally identified with aortic valve pathology, infective endocarditis that extends beyond the leaflets of the TV have been reported to cause conduction disease.Case summaryWe present the case of a 63-year-old patient who presented with haemodynamically unstable complete heart block requiring temporary venous pacemaker support. Despite the absence of traditional risk factors or significant valvular disease on transthoracic echocardiogram, she was found to be persistently bacteraemic and subsequent transoesophageal echocardiogram identified large vegetation on the septal leaflet of the TV. Conduction disease was noted to reverse with antibiotic therapy and resolution of bacteraemia.DiscussionAlthough rare, right-sided endocarditis involving the triangle of Koch may present with conduction disease due to local inflammation and mechanical compression. Conduction disease associated with right-sided disease appears to be readily reversible with medical therapy and temporary device support may be appropriate in the acute setting.
| S-EPMC8374981 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background:Complete heart block (CHB) is a frequent cause for acute admission in older patients with significant cardiac conduction disease. Common presenting symptoms are syncope and dyspnoea. Some patients may exhibit clinical and radiological signs of left ventricular (LV) decompensation, despite preserved LV ejection fraction on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and absent pre-existing LV dysfunction. Case summary:In this clinical report, we present a case of CHB associated with transient but severe elevation in pulmonary artery systolic pressure, measured as the equivalent right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP = 99?mmHg) by TTE in the absence of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, that subsequently 'normalized' after implantation of a permanent pacemaker. After searching our echocardiogram database, we did find other cases with similar findings. Discussion:There is limited literature describing transient acute elevation in estimated pulmonary pressures in the setting of new CHB that is subsequently reversed by permanent pacing. The true prevalence and mechanism of transient estimated pulmonary pressure as a result of CHB remains unknown. Based on our limited assessment, we postulate that the acute elevation in estimated pulmonary pressures is predominantly related to a compensatory augmentation of RV stroke volume and is caused by the underlying bradycardia and need to maintain forward cardiac output. This phenomenon may require further investigation and validation in future studies.
| S-EPMC7319818 | biostudies-literature