title: High-degree atrioventricular block in a child with acute myocarditis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Viral myocarditis is a common cause of transient electrocardiogram (EKG) abnormalities in children. The clinical presentation of acute myocarditis ranges from asymptomatic infection to fulminant heart failure and sudden death. Many children present with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnea or vomiting, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. EKG abnormalities are a sensitive indicator of acute myocarditis and are present in more than 90% of cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 13-year-old female suffered a syncopal episode and was found to have high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block caused by acute presumed viral myocarditis. With close monitoring, the EKG abnormalities resolved over the following 48 hours. In this case report, we discuss the incidence, pathogenesis, and outcomes of conduction disturbances in acute myocarditis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-degree AV block can occur in patients with acute myocarditis, and higher-degree AV block is correlated with greater myocardial injury. Additionally, severity of pathological changes may reflect the reversibility of AV block. In the majority of cases, however, this rhythm disturbance is transient and does not require permanent pacemaker placement.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Caughey
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA ; Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Humphrey
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Patricia E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Thomas
keywords: Adams-Stokes syndrome; atrioventricular block; coxsackievirus infections; myocarditis; syncope