title: Diltiazem-induced Transient Complete Atrioventricular Block in an Elderly Patient with Acute on Chronic Renal Failure.
abstract: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker commonly used in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, angina and supraventricular tachycardias. Metabolism occurs mainly in the liver, but a small percentage of unchanged drug and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Toxicity from this medication usually presents in the form of dysrrhytmias and heart block. Hence, we present a case of complete atrioventricular AV block in a patient receiving sustained- release diltiazem on a chronic basis. Risk factors such as advanced age and impaired renal function are dis-cussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Jorge A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brenes
authors.forename: Yong-Mei
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Cha
keywords: AV block; diltiazem; renal failure.