RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Vagally mediated atrioventricular block: pathophysiology and diagnosis
JF Heart
JO Heart
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society
SP 904
OP 908
DO 10.1136/heartjnl-2012-303220
VO 99
IS 13
A1 Alboni, Paolo
A1 Holz, Anna
A1 Brignole, Michele
YR 2013
UL http://heart.bmj.com/content/99/13/904.abstract
AB Vagally mediated atrioventricular (AV) block is defined as a paroxysmal AV block, localised within the AV node, associated with slowing of the sinus rate. All types of second-degree AV block, including pseudo-Mobitz II block, and complete AV block, may be present. Most of the patients have normal AV conduction. Differential diagnosis with intrinsic AV block is based on the behaviour of the sinus rate. Vagally mediated AV block is benign; it can be recorded as an asymptomatic or symptomatic event (syncope/presyncope). Syncope due to this form of AV block should be diagnosed and managed as neurally mediated syncope. When this block is fortuitously recorded in asymptomatic patients, pacemaker implantation is not indicated.