Complete Atrioventricular Block in an Adolescent With Rheumatic Fever

ABSTRACT

Rheumatic fever is an acute inflammatory sequela following a group A, beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever is characterized by polyarthritis, carditis, chorea, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema marginatum as the major diagnostic criteria. Rarely, advanced heart block may also occur. A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the Pediatric Department for evaluation and management of complete atrioventricular block. The patient had exertional dyspnea for 1 month. Based on the findings of mitral regurgitation, fever, elevated acute phase reactants, and a high antistreptolysin O titer, the patient was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. A benzathine penicillin injection was administered, as well as salicylate therapy. On the 5th day of hospitalization, the electrocardiogram revealed a normal sinus rhythm with a 1st degree atrioventricular block. After discharge, the electrocardiogram normalized with the monthly penicillin injections. Herein we report a case of complete atrioventricular block associated with rheumatic fever. The heart block resolved without specific cardiac treatment, other than a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.