Delayed occurrence of unheralded phase IV complete heart block after ethanol septal ablation for symmetric hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2006 Jun;29(6):674-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2006.00416.x.

Abstract

Ethanol septal ablation has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgical myomectomy for treatment of asymmetric hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (ASH). The procedure has very low mortality, but high-degree AV conduction block is a frequent complication. Prior studies have documented baseline left bundle branch block and high volume of ethanol injection (greater than 4 mL) as risk factors. Complete heart block is often preceded by postprocedure conduction abnormalities and generally develops within 48 hours after ethanol ablation. We present a unique case of a patient with symmetric hypertensive hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (SHOCM) who developed phase IV complete heart block >96 hours postprocedure without preceding conduction abnormalities or other classic risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / drug therapy*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage*
  • Heart Block / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Ethanol