Abstract
Objective This case presentation describes an uncommon development of complete heart block. Within 48 hours after a motor vehicle accident with the deployment of the air bag against the patient's chest, the patient reported exertional bradycardia and shortness of breath. Clinical Features A 51-year-old man was in a motor vehicle accident. After the collision, he noticed a slow onset of chest discomfort with exertion and bradycardia. The patient experienced cardiac difficulty during a stress electrocardiogram. During the 4 months after the motor vehicle accident, symptoms progressed; and a diagnosis of vagal sympathetic reflex was suggested. Intervention and Outcome A pacemaker was finally required because of the ventricular pacing of 35 to 40 beats per minute, which was symptomatic of a complete atrioventricular block. Conclusion A gradual progression to complete atrioventricular block over a period longer than 3 weeks is unusual. This case demonstrates that a patient manifesting exertional bradycardia and shortness of breath shortly after chest trauma should be regularly monitored until all symptoms are resolved.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
