Mesothelioma of the atrioventricular node and congenital complete heart block.
Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) has heterogeneous etiologies. It may occur as an isolated entity with no associated congenital cardiac malformations and is difficult to diagnose even with modern technology. Mesothelioma of the atrioventricular (AV) node is a benign tumor that causes CCHB. The occurrence of this tumor is rare, and a definitive diagnosis of the entity is made only at autopsy. The conduction disturbance caused by the mesothelioma is potentially treatable and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CCHB. We present a case report of a 38-year-old female with CCHB caused by such a tumor. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of CCHB are reviewed.
Laboratory and Medical Services, William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital, Center, Madison, WI 53705.
R
R
Subramanian
B
B
Flygenring
D000328:Adult; D001283:Atrioventricular Node; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000151:congenital* / Q000209:etiology; D006329:Heart Conduction System; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital