Introduction Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The most common presentation is the erythema migrans skin rash, observed in over 90% of cases during the early localized stage., Weeks to months post-tick bite, the disease may progress to extracutaneous manifestations in the early disseminated phase, leading to cardiac, neurologic, and joint symptoms., Lyme carditis (LC) is a rare complication of LD, occurring in 0.3% to 4% of […]

Introduction In postoperative cardiac care, early detection and management of complications are crucial for optimal outcomes. Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, also known as complete heart block (CHB), is a significant concern, leading to symptoms like fatigue, exertion intolerance, and life-threatening events such as syncope or heart failure, often necessitating cardiac pacemaker (CP) implantation for timely intervention. In the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, conduction issues stemming from metabolic or inflammatory changes are common, necessitating temporary or permanent CPs to stabilize […]

Abstract Background: Prolongation of the PQ interval, generally associated with an atrioventricular conduction delay, may be related to changes in intraventricular impulse spreading. Objective: To assess, using body surface potential mapping (BSPM), the process of ventricular depolarization in athletes with prolonged PQ intervals at rest and after exercise. Methods: The study included 7 cross-country skiers with a PQ interval of more than 200 ms (Prolonged-PQ group) and 7 with a PQ interval of less than 200 ms (Normal-PQ group). The […]

Introduction Lyme carditis (LC) is a relatively rare manifestation of the early disseminated stage of LC. , The most frequent presentation of LC is atrioventricular (AV) block characterized by rapid fluctuations in the grade and that occurs in approximately 80-90% of patients. , Other possible clinical manifestations of LC are myocarditis, pericarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. , The clinical course is usually mild, short-term, and in most cases completely reversible after adequate antibiotic treatment. Indeed, high-grade AV block associated […]

A 67-year-old man was admitted to the primary healthcare emergency department due to dizziness. During the physical examination, an irregular heart rhythm was detected, prompting a request for a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG () revealed a beat-to-beat alternating pattern of right and left bundle branch blocks (RBBB and LBBB) with Mobitz I second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. The patient was transferred to the hospital emergency department, where two consecutive ECGs were performed. One ECG () showed persistent LBBB with first-degree […]

Abstract Hydatidosis is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, leading to the formation of cysts on involved organs. Cardiac involvement is rare and can cause a wide range of complications secondary to rupture, embolization, or compression. Its diagnosis is challenging, and is generally confirmed through data related to clinical manifestations, environmental exposure, and laboratory and imaging exams. Surgical removal is necessary in most cases, in which an association with antiparasite therapy is recommended. The present article describes a case of […]

Abstract Background PRKAG2 syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease, a phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by intracellular glycogen accumulation. Clinical manifestations include ventricular preexcitation, cardiac conduction disorder, ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial arrhythmias. Objective To compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics observed in patients with atrial flutter, with and without PRKAG2 syndrome. Methods An observational study comparing patients with atrial flutter: group A consisted of five patients with PRKAG2 syndrome from a family, and group B consisted of 25 patients […]

Introduction The PRKAG2 syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the γ regulatory subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase., It has been associated with abnormal glycogen accumulation in cardiomyocytes, predisposing to ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Gollob et al. were the first to describe the mutation in 2001, calling attention to the need for differential diagnosis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy., Although the prevalence of PRKAG2 syndrome is not established, the number of reported […]