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Review
. 2018 Nov;97(46):e13226.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000013226.

Complete heart block in systemic sclerosis: A case report and literature review

Qinghai Wang  1 , Yinghui Shang  2 , Shicheng Li  1 , Yanxiang Wu  1 , Chenyu Wang  1 , Xiaowei Yan  1
Affiliations
Review

Complete heart block in systemic sclerosis: A case report and literature review

Qinghai Wang et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Nov.

Abstract

Rationale: Complete heart block (CHB) is a common clinical manifestation. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare etiology of CHB that has not received enough attention. Whether pacemaker implantation is required remains inconclusive, especially when patients have no symptoms or mild symptoms of CHB.

Patient concerns: In this study, we report the case of a 48-year-old Chinese male who suffers from SSc and CHB.

Diagnose: The patient was previously diagnosed with left anterior hemiblock (LAHB) and right bundle block with normal heart function. CHB was observed on a regular follow-up electrocardiogram (ECG) examination 1 month before his hospitalization.

Interventions: A permanent dual chamber pacemaker was implanted.

Outcomes: The patient responded well to pacemaker implantation treatment, and his exertional dyspnea disappeared.

Lessons: The occurrence of heart block associated with SSc often appears concealed. The case highlights the importance of regular follow-up of a patient with SSc. Pacemaker implantation might be unavoidable if CHB is secondary to SSc, even if it is asymptomatic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The electrocardiogram revealed normal sinus rhythm with complete atrioventricular block at admission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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