The causes of complete atrioventricular block in patients who were diagnosed as complete atrioventricular block in Emergency Department

Purpose: Complete atrioventricular block is an important rhythm disorder due to conduction failure of sinus impulses to the ventricles. The aim of this study is to define etiological factors and demographic features in patients diagnosed as complete atrioventricular block in emergency department. Material and Methods: Thirty patients over age eighteen were included in this study who were attended to Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Emergency Department between 01.02.2013-01.09.2015, managed by Dr. Ali Boz in working hours and diagnosed as complete atrioventricular block. Medical histories were taken and physical examinations of these patiens were done. Routine biochemistry, hemogram, thyriod function tests were done and ECGs were interpretated. Echocardiographic examine is done in 24 of the patients and coronary angiography applied to 10 of the patients. Findings: Sixty per cent (n=18) of patients were male and %40 (n=12) female. The mean age of the patients were 65,46±15,98. Eleven patients (%36,7) presented with syncope. The most common underlying cause of AV block was found to be the chronic ischemic heart disease (%33,3; n=10) followed by acute ischemic heart disease (%23,3; n=7) and double-triple antiarrhythmic drug use (%23,3; n=7). Hyperkalaemia was determined in %20 (n=6) of patints. Hyperkalaemia was accompanied by hyponatremi in %3,3 (n=1) and by aortic stenosis in %3,3 (n=1) of the patients. Drug intoxication in %6,7 (n=2), myocarditis in %3,3 (n=1) and pacemaker disfunction in %6,7 (n=2) of patiens were found as the cause of complete AV block. Result: Detailed medical history should be taken and physical examination should be performed to uncover the other reasons as well as acute and chronic ischemic heart disease while investigating the reasons of complete atrioventricular block. The history for drug use and electrolite levels should be considered. Intoxication should be kept in mind for etiological factor in this patients. Key words: Complete atrioventricular block, emergency department, etiology.