Progression of first degree heart block to high-grade second degree block during spinal anaesthesia.
A case is presented in which a patient with pre-existing first degree heart block developed high-grade second degree heart block during spinal anaesthesia. Progression of the block was associated with blockade of cardiac sympathetic neurons induced by spinal anaesthesia. This suggests that patients with pre-existing heart block may be at increased risk for development of higher grade block during spinal anaesthesia.
Bernards
C M
CM
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Hymas
N J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D013613:Tachycardia, Ectopic Junctional / Q000209:etiology; D013616:Tachycardia, Sinus / Q000209:etiology
D008012:Lidocaine