Mucormycosis: An Uncommon Cutaneous Infection at Permanent Pacemaker-Implanted Site in a Very Low-Birthweight Baby

Permanent pacemaker implantation in low birthweight (LBW) babies with congenital complete heart block is extremely challenging due to a paucity of appropriate pulse generator placement pocket sites. The development of infection following an implantation procedure can pose a life-threatening risk to the patients. With more patients in the younger group receiving these devices than ever before and the rate of infection increasing rapidly, a closer look at the burden of infection and its impact on outcome of these patients is warranted. We report mucormycosis infection at the abdominal pacemaker pocket site of an infant requiring pacemaker explantation and re-insertion into the intrapleural space.

Heart Block in patients with COVID-19

Background: Since the emergence of the SARS COV-19 pandemic, multiple extrapulmonary manifestations of the virus have been reported from around the world. Cardiovascular complications including arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19 have been described in multiple studies. Our aim was to review various case reports detailing the new onset of heart block in COVID-19 patients and to summarise the clinical course of these patients. Methods: We systematically reviewed all reports published and indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase between March 2020 to May 2021, analyzing the relation between the demographics of the patients, pre-existing comorbidities, and the progression of heart block in patients infected with COVID-19. Results: We identified and included in this study 30 relevant articles describing 49 COVID-19 patients with heart block. Among them, 69.3% (n=34) of patients suffered from at least one comorbidity. 36.73% (n=18) of the patients showed spontaneous resolution of the heart block. Conversely, 63.26% (n=31) of the patients had persistent heart block, out of which 16.33% (n=8) and 42.86% (n=21) were implanted with a temporary and permanent pacemaker respectively. The reported mortality rate was 22.45% (n=11) during hospitalization. We noted that 45.45% (n=5) of the patients who died had complete heart block. 24.49% (n=12) of the patients in the studies we reviewed were suspected of having myocarditis. However, none were confirmed with MRI or cardiac biopsy. Conclusions: Additional research is necessary to unearth the mechanism of development of heart block in COVID-19 patients as well as its implications on the clinical course and prognosis. Physicians must be aware of the importance of monitoring patients hospitalized for COVID-19 for arrhythmias including heart blocks, especially in the presence of comorbidities. Early detection can improve the prognosis of the patient.

The impact of complete atrioventricular block on in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: To analyze the incidence and the prognostic impact of complete AV block on in-hospital and 6-year mortality in STEMI patients treated with pPCI. Method: Study included 3044 consecutive STEMI patients. Results: Complete AV block was registered only at admission in 144 (4.73%) patients; 125 (86.8%) patients with complete AV block had inferior infarction. Temporary pacemaker was implanted in 72 (50%) patients with complete AV block. No patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with complete AV block than in patients without complete AV block: 17.9%vs3.6%, respectively, p<0.001. In patients with heart block and inferior infarction inhospital mortality was 13%, whereas in patients with heart block and anterior infarction inhospital mortality was 53%. When we analyzed patients who were discharged alive from the hospital, we also found significantly higher long-term (6-year) mortality rate in those with complete AV block vs patients without AV block: 7.8%v 3.4% respectively, p<0.001. Complete AV block was an independent predictor for in-hospital and 6-year mortality: inhospital mortality OR 2.94 95%CI 1.23-5.22; six year mortality HR 1.61, 95%CI 1.10- 2.37. When subanalysis was performed, in patients with inferior STEMI, complete AV block was an independent predictor of in-hospital and 6-year mortality, while in patients with anterior STEMI, complete AV block was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: In analyzed STEMI patients complete AV block was transitory and was registered only at hospital admission. Although transitory, complete AV block remained a strong independent predictor of in-hospital and long-term mortality.

CLINICAL PROFILES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION

Background and Objective: The implantation of a permanent cardiac pacemaker for the treatment of bradyarrhythmia is one of the most popular cardiac interventions. The goal of this study is to look at the clinical profiles of individuals who have permanent pacemakers implanted Material and Methods: The study was conducted using observational methods. The study included patients who received a permanent pacemaker for bradyarrhythmias between November 2019 and November 2021. A thorough review of the demographic profile and indications was performed. Results: The vast majority of the 312 patients were older, with the majority being between the ages of 56 and 88 years old (75 % ). Pacemakers were implanted in more men than in women. Complete heart block was the most common ECG finding and the most common presenting symptom was syncope. The most prevalent sign of pacing was acquired A-V block, and the most common pacemaker mode was single chamber (VVI/VVIR). Conclusion: Acquired A-V block and SSS were found to be the most common reasons for pacemaker implantation in our study. Higher implantation rates were linked to advanced age and male gender.

Case Report On: Complete Heart Block

When the electrical signal normally does not travel from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, to the ventricles, or lower chambers, full heart block occurs. During surgery, the atrio ventricular (AV) node is weakened and complete heart block can result. Often, complete heart block occurs naturally without surgery [1]. Patient History: Heart block is an irregular heart rhythm where the heart (bradycardia) beats too slowly. In this condition, between the upper chamber (atria) and the lower chamber (ventricles), the electrical signals that tell the heart to contract are partially or completely blocked. Present history- The patient 71-year old male who was admitted to hospital on date 25/11/2019 with the chief complaint was severe chest pain, breathlessness, excessive palpitation, vertigo, and sweating since in 4 months. Conclusion: The patient was admitted in the hospital with the chief complaint of severe chest pain, breathlessness, excessive palpitation, vertigo and sweating since 4 months and his condition was very critical and the patient was admitted in AVBR Hospital and immediate treatment was started.

Takotsubo syndrome and complete heart block, which came first? A case report

Background In 2018 the European society of cardiology published two consensus documents on takotsubo syndrome which include the current consensus on nomenclature, diagnosis, management and complications. However, little is mentioned on the association with complete heart block, except that “AV block [occurs in] 2.9% of cases”. Complete heart block is a recognised rare association of takotsubo syndrome, but causation is often unclear. Does complete heart block trigger takotsubo syndrome or vice-versa? Here we present a case of takotsubo syndrome associated with complete heart block. Case summary An 89-year-old woman presented with a transient loss of consciousness, acute chest pain and dyspnoea. A few days prior to this her daughter died suddenly of a myocardial infarction. On presentation troponin levels were elevated, the ECG showed complete heart block with a broad QRS and an echo showed apical akinesis and ballooning. Angiographic investigation excluded significant coronary artery disease. A dual chamber pacemaker was implanted after a brief period of temporary pacing. Ventricular function normalized during Follow-up and her underlying rhythm remained complete heart block. Discussion Takotsubo syndrome may be triggered by both emotional and physical stressors. Complete heart block is recognised association but causation is often unclear. In our case a clear emotional trigger was identified suggesting the takotsubo syndrome may have precipitated complete heart block not vice versa.