Adenosine-induced complete heart block: not so transient.
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside widely used to terminate supraventricular tachycardias, and as a diagnostic adjunct in narrow complex regular tachycardia of uncertain origin. Atrioventricular blockade and bradyarrhythmias following administration are common but generally short-lived. We report a case of prolonged complete heart block requiring intubation and temporary pacing, following adenosine administration in atrial flutter treated with combination metoprolol and diltiazem.
Harvey
Martyn G
MG
Department of Emergency Medicine, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. harveym@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Safih
Shameem
S
Wallace
Muir
M
D000241:Adenosine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000175:diagnosis; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine