A degenerative lesion of the approach to the atrioventricular node producing second-degree and third-degree atrioventricular block.
We report a case of a degenerative approach lesion in an 83-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. His ECGs changed from first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block 14 years ago, to third-degree AV (A-H) block. A pacemaker was implanted for bradycardia. He died 4 years later from heart and renal failure. Serial sections through the conduction system revealed total depletion and fatty replacement of the atrial muscle at the approaches to the AV node.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013997:Time Factors