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Introduction
Fetal atrioventricular heart block (FAVB) is a rare congenital heart condition that affects the electrical signals in the heart. The condition occurs when there is a blockage in the electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles of the heart, which can cause the heart to beat too slow or irregularly. This can lead to a range of complications, including heart failure, stroke and even death(1).
FAVB is typically diagnosed during pregnancy, using fetal echocardiography, a type of ultrasound that allows doctors to assess the structure and function of the fetal heart. The condition can also be detected after birth, using a variety of diagnostic tests, including electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac catheterization(2). Ultrasound examination must include the M-mode recording and Power wave Doppler for a correct diagnosis. M-mode ultrasound (also called motion-mode imaging) does not yield full frame images per se, but rather one selected image line is rendered as a function of time. This is used for displaying motion of – for example – the periodic movement of heart valves. Any abnormalities or temporal variations can be directly seen as an image on the screen(4).
The treatment of FAVB depends on the severity of the condition and on the gestational age of the fetus. In some cases, medications may be used to help regulate heart’s rhythm and improve blood flow. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles(3). Steroids are often used. Care should be taken in these cases, as they can further affect the heart, causing pericardial effusion, left ventricular enlargement and poor contractility(5).
In conclusion, FAVB is a rare but serious condition that can have significant consequences for the developing fetus. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes and for preventing complications. Further research is needed to better understand the causes and the management of FAVB.
Congenital heart block is a condition that occurs when the electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm are disrupted. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetic factors. Congenital heart block can be caused by certain genetic conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome, which can affect the development of the heart.
Infections. Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, can cause congenital heart block.
Medications. Some medications, such as certain types of heart medication or certain types of antibiotics, can increase the risk of congenital heart block.
Environmental factors. Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as tobacco smoke or some chemicals, during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital heart block. It’s important to note that, in many cases, the cause of congenital heart block is unknown(6).
Interesting images
We present the case of a 30-year-old female patient with Sjögren’s syndrome and anti-RO antibodies present. In her first pregnancy, she had termination at 24 weeks for complete heart block (Figures 1 and 2).
This is her second pregnancy. Unfortunately, even with hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis at 22 weeks, second- and third-degree block was detected (Figures 3-7).
Conclusions
It is extremely important to recognize the condition for a correct management plan. Complete atrioventricular block leads to complete dissociation of the atrial and ventricular activity as a result of the damage in the atrioventricular conduction pathways. In patients with third-degree atrioventricular block, the atrial frequency is in the normal range, but the ventricular rate can be lower than 50 beats per minute, usually between 50 and 80 beats/minute. The ultrasound findings in fetal life include ventricular dilatation, reduced ejection fraction, echogenic endocardium located in the left ventricle affecting the mitral valve papillary muscles, and atrioventricular valve causing valve dysfunction. After the suspicion or diagnosis, the patient must be referred for an echocardiography for the exclusion of additional findings and for treatment. The use of M-mode recoding is essential for the diagnosis and it should be used alongside power wave Doppler and 2D imaging of the heart.
Conflict of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interests.
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