Right bundle branch block with revelation of changing axis deviation at the end of atrial fibrillation

Int J Cardiol. 2009 Nov 12;137(3):e54-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.04.017. Epub 2009 May 12.

Abstract

Changing axis deviation has been reported also during atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Changing axis deviation has been also reported during acute myocardial infarction associated with atrial fibrillation too or at the end of atrial fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction. Left bundle branch block is usually associated with normal or left axis deviation. Rarely the ECG shows a left bundle branch block with changing QRS morphology and changing axis deviation. There are several possible explanations for the intermittent shift in the QRS axis in the presence of complete left bundle branch block. The most plausible explanation is the coexistence of left posterior hemiblock and predivisional left bundle branch block. Intermittent right axis deviation has been rarely reported in the presence of left bundle branch block also during atrial fibrillation and with acute myocardial infarction too. Isolated left posterior hemiblock is a very rare finding and transient right axis deviation associated with a left posterior hemiblock pattern has been also rarely described associated with acute myocardial infarction. Changing axis deviation with changing bundle branch block and new-onset of atrial fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction has been also reported. Changing axis deviation with intermittent right bundle branch block in a patient admitted with acute myocardial infarction has been also described. We present a case of a right bundle branch block with revelation of changing axis deviation at the end of atrial fibrillation in a 68-year-old Italian man.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnosis
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male