Complete atrioventricular block: a rare presentation of mitral valve endocarditis
Kitkungvan, D.; Suri, J.; Spodick, D.
Journal of Invasive Cardiology 22(1): E1-E2
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1042-3931 PMID: 20048401 Document Number: 645927
Infective endocarditis is one of the uncommon causes of complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Complications from aortic valve infection are more often associated with conduction abnormalities than with mitral valve endocarditis. In fact, complete AV block rarely occurs in mitral valve infections, with only a few cases having been reported. We report a case of mitral valve endocarditis in which the initial presentation was fever and newly developed, complete AV block. Patients with mitral valve endocarditis complicated by complete AV block are at high risk. Prompt investigation, administration of appropriate antibiotics and consideration of early surgical intervention are needed.