title: Isolated left posterior fascicular block associated with acquired ventricular septal defect.
abstract: Isolated left posterior fascicular block in the absence of associated right bundle-branch block is a rare electrocardiographic finding. In view of its anatomy and the fact that it receives a dual blood supply, the posterior fascicle of the left bundle branch appears to be less vulnerable than the anterior fascicle or the right bundle. Mechanical disruption of the posterior fascicle can produce isolated left posterior fascicular block. This has been demonstrated in animal models. However, such occurrence has not been noted in humans. We present two cases of inferior wall myocardial infarction, complicated by rupture of the inferior septum, resulting in isolated left posterior fascicular block. The development of isolated left posterior fascicular block complicating myocardial infarction may, therefore, serve to alert to the possible underlying septal rupture.
mesh_terms: D002037:Bundle-Branch Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006341:Heart Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006346:Heart Septum; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology