Congenital complete heart block in the setting of severe pre-eclampsia requiring urgent cesarean section

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2020 Nov:44:74-76. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.07.012. Epub 2020 Jul 25.

Abstract

Congenital complete heart block is a rare phenomenon that may be discovered during pregnancy in patients who were previously asymptomatic. Peripartum management of these patients mandates a multidisciplinary approach with careful planning regarding indications for pacing, appropriate anesthetic technique, and contingency planning. Approaches to anesthetic management for congenital complete heart block have been described, but management in association with severe pre-eclampsia has not been reported. We describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with complete heart block who presented with severe pre-eclampsia requiring urgent cesarean section.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Congenital complete heart block; Neuraxial; Severe pre-eclampsia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / methods*
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / methods*
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Female
  • Heart Block / complications
  • Heart Block / congenital*
  • Heart Block / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / physiopathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital heart block