AV Conduction

Conduction disturbances can occur at the level of the sinoatrial (SA) node, the atrioventricular (AV) node and the bundle branch system. In atrioventricular block the conduction between atria and ventricles is disturbed leading to an incread PQ interval or to drop out of QRS complexes: atrial activity that is not followed by ventricular activity. Three degrees of block can be distinguished.

First degree AV block

1st degree AV block. Although the PQ interval is prolonged all p-waves are followed by QRS complexes: there is no dropout of beats

In first degree AV block there is a prolongation of PQ duration (PQ time > 0.20 sec). Still every p-wave is being followed by a QRS complex. First degree AV block is present in 16% of >90-year olds [1] and is mostly caused by a degeneration of the conduction system. First degree AV block is relatively harmless.

Second degree AV block

In second degree AV block not all p-waves are being followed by QRS complexes: beat dropout occurs. Second degree AV block can be categorized in 3 types:

Second degree AV block type I(Wenckenbach)

In second degree AV block type I, the PQ interval prolongs from beat to beat up until the drop-out of one QRS complex. The characteristics of a Wenkebach block:

• QRS complexes cluster (e.g. a 5:4 block or 4:3 block)
• The PQ interval prolongs every consecutive beat
• The PQ interval that follows upon a dropped beat is the shortes.
• The RR interval shortens (!) every consecutive beat.
• The amount of block decreases during exercise (e.g. a 4:3 block improves into a 6:5 block)

The conduction disturbance in a type I block originates in the AV node. Isolated second degree AV block type I is relatively benign and not a pacemaker indication.

Second degree AV block type II(Mobitz)

Second degree AV block type II (Mobitz)

In second degree AV block type II, beats are dropped irregularly without PQ interval prolongation. As the drop out of beats is irregular, no clustering of QRS complexes can be seen as in second degree block type I. Second degree AV block type II marks the starting of trouble and is a class I pacemaker indication. [2] The cause of second degree AV block type II can be found distally from the AV node: in the HIS bundle or in the bundle branches or Purkinje fibers.

An important differential diagnosis of second degree AV block type II is a atrial extrasystoly with compensatory pause. This diagnosis is much more common and harmless.

High grade AV block

High grade AV block is defined as two or more p-waves not followed by QRS complexes.

Third degree AV block

3rd degree AV block. AV dissociation is present: there is no relation between p-waves and the (nodal) QRS complexes.

Short lasting total AV block (initiated by adenosine infusion). P-waves are present, but no QRS complexes follow

Third degree AV block is synonymous to total block: absence of atrioventricular conduction. P-waves and QRS complexes have no temporal relationship. The ventricular rhythm can nodal, idioventricular or absent. Absent ventricular rhythm results in asystole and death.

During third degree AV block the blood supply to the brain can insufficient, leading to loss of consciousness. Adams Stokes (or Stokes-Adams) attacks (often misspelled as Adam Stokes) attacks arte attacks of syncope or pre-syncope in the setting of third degree AV block.