Repeated complete atrioventricular block during remifentanil administration in a pediatric patient with brain tumor and acute hydrocephalus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil, an ultra-short-acting µ-opioid receptor agonist, is commonly used for anesthetic management due to excellent adjustability. Remifentanil is known to cause sinus bradycardia, however, because it has a direct negative chronotropic effect on the cardiac conduction system and there is an indirect negative chronotropic effect via the parasympathetic nervous system. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old Japanese boy was diagnosed with acute hydrocephalus due to a brain tumor in the fourth ventricle and underwent emergency surgery. Imaging examination showed brainstem compression. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery were scheduled. Remifentanil was started during induction of general anesthesia, but electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia, then Wenckebach-type atrioventricular block, and then complete atrioventricular block. Remifentanil was immediately discontinued, and we administered atropine sulfate. Complete atrioventricular block was restored to sinus rhythm. When remifentanil was restarted, however, the electrocardiogram again showed sinus bradycardia, Wenckebach-type atrioventricular block, and then complete atrioventricular block. Remifentanil was again immediately discontinued, we administered adrenaline, and then complete atrioventricular block was restored to sinus rhythm. Fentanyl was used instead of remifentanil with continuous infusion of dopamine. There has since been no further occurrence of complete atrioventricular block. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first known case of complete atrioventricular block in a pediatric patient with increased intracranial pressure seemingly caused by administration of remifentanil.

Not only Van Gogh: a case of BRASH syndrome with concomitant digoxin toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia. It constitutes a vicious circle in which the accumulation of pharmacologically active compounds and hyperkalemia lead to hemodynamic instability and heart failure. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old Caucasian female patient was admitted to the emergency department presenting with fatigue and bradycardia. Upon examination, the patient was found to be anuric and hypotensive. Laboratory investigations revealed metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Clinical evaluation suggested signs of digoxin toxicity, with serum digoxin concentrations persistently elevated over several days. Despite the implementation of antikalemic measures, the patient's condition remained refractory, necessitating renal dialysis and administration of digoxin immune fab. CONCLUSION: Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt management. It is important to also consider potential coexisting clinical manifestations indicative of intoxication from other pharmacological agents. Specifically, symptoms associated with the accumulation of drugs eliminated via the kidneys, such as digoxin. These manifestations may warrant targeted therapeutic measures.

Pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis with complete atrioventricular block and concomitant myositis in a metastatic bladder cancer patient: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular system is among the least systems affected by immune-related adverse events. We report a rare life-threatening case of pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis with complete atrioventricular block and concomitant myositis in a metastatic bladder cancer patient. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old Caucasian female with invasive urothelial carcinoma, started on first-line pembrolizumab, was admitted four days after receiving her second dose for severe asthenia, diffuse muscle aches, neck pain, and lethargy. In the emergency department, she had several episodes of bradycardia reaching 40 beats per minute associated with general discomfort and fatigue. Electrocardiography showed a third-degree atrioventricular heart block, while the patient remained normotensive. Cardiac damage parameters were altered with elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase of 8930 U/L, suggestive of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myositis, and troponin T of 1.060 ng/mL. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a preserved ejection fraction. Pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis was suspected. Therefore, treatment was initiated with high-dose glucocorticoids for 5 days, followed by a long oral steroid taper. A pacemaker was also implanted. Treatment resulted in the resolution of heart block and a decrease in creatine phosphokinase to the normal range. CONCLUSION: Life-threatening cardiac adverse events in the form of myocarditis may occur with pembrolizumab use, warranting vigilant cardiac monitoring. Troponin monitoring in high-risk patients, along with baseline echocardiography may help identify this complication promptly to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Bloqueo auriculoventricular en pacientes en tratamiento con fármacos bradicardizantes. Variables predictoras de la necesidad de implante de marcapasos / Atrioventricular block in patients undergoing treatment with bradycardic drugs. Predictors of pacemaker requirement

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El bloqueo auriculoventricular (BAV) en presencia de fármacos bradicardizantes (FBZ) puede ser reversible, y está en controversia el implante de marcapasos. El objetivo es analizar la necesidad de tratamiento con marcapasos a medio plazo, tras la suspensión de los FBZ, e identificar factores predictores. MÉTODOS: Se estudió a una cohorte de pacientes que acudieron a urgencias con BAV de alto grado mientras tomaban FBZ. Se estudió la persistencia de BAV tras la interrupción del fármaco, la recurrencia en los pacientes con resolución del BAV y las variables predictoras asociadas con la necesidad de marcapasos a los 3 años de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: De 127 pacientes (edad, 79 [71-83] años), en 60 (47,2%) se resolvió el BAV; de estos, en 40 (66,6%) el BAV recurrió en los 24 meses de seguimiento medio; 107 pacientes (84,3%) tuvieron indicación de implante de marcapasos pese a suspenderse los FBZ. Las variables asociadas con la necesidad de marcapasos a los 3 años en el multivariable fueron: frecuencia cardiaca<35 lpm (OR=8,12; IC95%, 1,82-36,17); síntomas diferentes del síncope (OR=4,09; IC95%, 1,18-14,13) y QRS ancho (OR=5,65; IC95%, 1,77-18,04). El tratamiento con antiarrítmicos no se asoció con necesidad de marcapasos (OR=0,12; IC95%, 0,02-0,66). CONCLUSIONES: Más del 80% de los pacientes con BAV secundario a FBZ precisan implante de marcapasos a pesar de suspenderlos; los predictores son el QRS ancho, la frecuencia cardiaca <35 lpm y la presentación clínica distinta del síncope

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Atrioventricular block (AVB) in the presence of bradycardic drugs (BD) can be reversible, and pacemaker implantation is controversial. Our objective was to analyze the pacemaker implantation rate in the mid-term, after BD suspension, and to identify predictive factors. METHODS: We performed a cohort study that included patients attending the emergency department with high-grade AVB in the context of BD. We studied the persistence of AVB after BD discontinuation, recurrence in patients with AVB resolution, and the predictive variables associated with pacemaker requirement at 3 years. RESULTS: Of 127 patients included (age, 79 [71-83] years), BAV resolved in 60 (47.2%); among these patients, recurrence occurred during the 24-month median follow-up in 40 (66.6%). Pacemaker implantation was required in 107 patients (84.3%), despite BD discontinuation. On multivariable analysis, the variables associated with pacemaker need at 3 years were heart rate <35 bpm (OR, 8.12; 95%CI, 1.82-36.17), symptoms other than syncope (OR, 4.09; 95%CI, 1.18-14.13), and wide QRS (OR, 5.65; 95%CI, 1.77-18.04). Concomitant antiarrhythmic treatment was associated with AVB resolution (OR, 0.12; 95%CI, 0.02-0.66). CONCLUSIONS: More than 80% of patients with AVB secondary to BD require pacemaker implantation despite drug discontinuation. Predictive variables were wide QRS, heart rate <35 bpm, and clinical presentation other than syncope

Bloqueo auriculoventricular permanente tras test de flecainida / Permanent atrioventricular block after flecainide testing

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Bloqueo auriculoventricular transitorio de primer grado en paciente con poliintoxicación por drogas de abuso y etanol: the Holiday Heart Syndrome / Transitory first degree atrioventricular block in patient with poisoning for drug abuse and alcohol: the Holiday Heart Syndrome

Las intoxicaciones por alcohol y drogas de abuso son una causa frecuente de consulta en los Servicios de Urgencias. Las alteraciones electrocardiográficas y las arritmias debidas a la ingesta de alcohol se conocen como Holiday Heart Syndrome. Este síndrome se define como la presencia de alteraciones del ritmo o de la conducción cardiaca asociadas al consumo de alcohol que revierten tras la intoxicación y que se producen en una persona sin enfermedad cardiaca conocida. La alteración más común es la fibrilación auricular. Se presenta el caso de una paciente joven que ingresa en urgencias por intoxicación por alcohol y diferentes drogas y que presentaba un bloqueo auriculoventricular de primer grado transitorio. Se discute el posible efecto causal de las drogas y del alcohol en los cambios electrocardiográficos observados en esta paciente (AU)

Alcohol intoxication and drug abuse are a common cause of visits to emergency rooms. Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic changes due to alcohol intake is called Holiday Heart Syndrome. It is defined as a rhythm or cardiac conduction alterations associated to the consumption of alcohol, reversed after the poisoning, in a person without known heart disease. The most common alteration is atrial fibrillation. We report the case of a young patient that presented in the emergency room by poisoning with different drugs and alcohol who presented transitory first degree atrioventricular block. We discussed the possible causal effect of drugs and alcohol consumed in the electrocardiographic changes in this patient (AU)

The incidence and predictors of overall adverse effects caused by low dose amiodarone in real-world clinical practice

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most current knowledge regarding amiodarone toxicity derives from clinical trials. This study was performed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of overall adverse effects of amiodarone in real-world practice using a large sample size. METHODS: Between January 1, 2000 and March 10, 2012, a total of 930 consecutive patients who had been treated with amiodarone for arrhythmia were reviewed retrospectively. An amiodarone-associated adverse event was considered in cases of discontinuation or drug dose reduction due to an unexpected clinical response. RESULTS: The mean daily dose of amiodarone was 227 +/- 126 mg, and the mean duration was 490 +/- 812 days. During the mean follow-up duration of 982 +/- 1,137 days, a total of 154 patients (16.6%) experienced adverse effects related to amiodarone, the most common being bradycardia or conduction disturbance (9.5%). Major organ toxicities in the thyroid (2.5%), liver (2.2%), eyes (0.6%), and lungs (0.3%) were rare. All patients recovered fully without complications after amiodarone discontinuation or dose reduction. The only independent predictor of adverse effects was the duration of amiodarone treatment (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.41; p = 0.016, per year). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose amiodarone is well tolerated in a real-world clinical population. Further studies with a prospective design are needed to confirm this finding.

Complete Atrioventricular Block Secondary to Bortezomib Use in Multiple Myeloma

Bortezomib is an inhibitor of 26S proteasome, which is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma. The common adverse effects of bortezomib are asthenic conditions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and peripheral neuropathy. Here we describe a patient with dyspnea and general weakness because of complete atrioventricular block while receiving bortezomib. We immediately stopped bortezomib, and after inserting a permanent VDD pacemaker, the patients' symptoms disappeared.

Complete Atrioventricular Block Secondary to Bortezomib Use in Multiple Myeloma

Bortezomib is an inhibitor of 26S proteasome, which is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma. The common adverse effects of bortezomib are asthenic conditions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and peripheral neuropathy. Here we describe a patient with dyspnea and general weakness because of complete atrioventricular block while receiving bortezomib. We immediately stopped bortezomib, and after inserting a permanent VDD pacemaker, the patients' symptoms disappeared.

Bloqueio atrioventricular total experimental em cães: observação por tempo prolongado / Experimental complete heart block in dogs: long-term folow-up

Fundamento: O bloqueio atrioventricular (BAVT) induzido experimentalmente é um método de indução de bradicardia estável e permanente em estudos nos quais situações de baixa frequência cardíaca são exigidas. Objetivos: Apresentar os resultados da técnica de indução e acompanhamento de BAVT experimental em cães, por tempo prolongado. Casuística e Método: O BAVT foi induzido cirurgicamente em 64 cães de raça mestiça, com peso médio de 12,84 + - 4 kg, sob anestesia geral com thionembutal sódico (25 mg/kg) e analgesia com fentanil e droperidol. A técnica consistiu de injeção de formol a 40 por cento na região do nó atrioventricular, no feixe de Hiss ou em seus ramos, sem atriotomia. O eletrocardiograma foi usado durante o procedimento e mensalmente para controle. Doze animais foram seguidos por tempo prolongado. Os cães foram sacrificados por meio de aprofumdamento anestésico. Após a morte, o coração dos animais foi retirado, fixado...

Bloqueo auriculoventricular completo en pacientes adultos con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Casuística propia y revisión de la bibliografía / Complete auriculoventricular blockage in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Case series and a review of the literature

Fundamento y objetivo: El bloqueo auriculoventricular completo (BAVC) congénito se debe, en la mayoría de los pacientes, a lesión del sistema de conducción por anticuerpos trasplacentarios de origen materno (lupus neonatal). En el adulto con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es muy dudosa la cardiotoxicidad por dichos anticuerpos y se ha relacionado con el tratamiento con antipalúdicos de síntesis (APS). Se valora, en nuestro medio, la presencia de BAVC (no congénito) en pacientes adultos con LES y su posible asociación con el tratamiento con APS. Pacientes y métodos: Se ha estudiado la frecuencia de BAVC en una serie de 595 pacientes afectados de LES controlados en una unidad de enfermedades sistémicas. Resultados: Cinco mujeres (0,8% del total) presentaron un BAVC (desarrollado en una crisis lúpica en 2 pacientes). Todas estaban en tratamiento con APS (el 100 frente al 60% en el resto de la serie) y mantuvieron una dosis de 250 mg/día (excepto una, con dosis de 500 mg/día) por un tiempo medio de 90 meses. La dosis media acumulada de APS fue de 753 g. Tres pacientes desarrollaron insuficiencia cardíaca; 2, nefropatía; 2, miopatía; y una, maculopatía. Como procesos acompañantes se constató síndrome de Sjögren (2) e hipotiroidismo (3). La frecuencia de HLA DR3, 80% de los casos, es superior a la observada en la serie total, 34% (p = 0,053). Conclusiones: Constatamos la presencia de BAVC en el 0,8% de pacientes con LES. Todos ellos en tratamiento con APS. No hemos comprobado relación con anticuerpos anti-ENA (anti-Ro y anti-RNP) comunicada en algunos casos, pero sí una tendencia a la asociación con HLA DR3 (en el límite de significación estadística)(AU)

Background and objective: Congenital complete atrioventricular heart block (CHB) is due to the lesion of the cardiac conduction system by specific transplacental antibodies of maternal origin. In adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiac toxicity is very questionable and has been related to treatment with synthetic antimalarial drugs (AM). Here we evaluate, in our geographic area, the presence of non congenital CHB in adult patients with SLE and its possible association with AM treatment. Patients and methods: The frequency of CHB has been studied revising the clinical records of 595 SLE patients followed at the Unit for Systemic Diseases. Results: Five women (0.8% of the total series) suffered from CHB (2 patients developed it during a lupic crisis). All were on treatment with AM (100 versus 60% of the rest of the series) and maintained a dose of 250 mg/day (except one, with a dose of 500 mg/day) for a mean period of 90 months. The accumulated mean dose of AM was 753 g. Three patients developed cardiac insufficiency; 2 nephropathy; 2 myopathy; and one maculopathy. As accompanying processes we detected Sjögren’s syndrome (2) and hypothyroidism (3). The frequency of HLA DR3, positive in 80% of the cases, is higher than observed in the total series, 34% (p = 0.053). Conclusions: We detected the presence of CHB in 0.8% of SLE patients. They were all treated with AM. We did not verify any relationship with anti-ENA (anti-Ro/La and anti-RNP) antibodies, as communicated by others, but rather a trend to the association with HLA DR3 (at the limit of statistical significance)(AU)