Advanced atrioventricular block induced by obstructive sleep apnea before oxygen desaturation

Heart Vessels. 2009 May;24(3):236-40. doi: 10.1007/s00380-008-1113-2. Epub 2009 May 24.

Abstract

We report a patient with transient advanced atrioventricular (AV) block induced by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This 54-year-old man was diagnosed as having severe OSA and AV block with ventricular asystole for more than 6 s during overnight polysomnography, which occurred just from the onset of OSA before oxygen desaturation had occurred. An electrophysiological study revealed normal AV conduction system function and normal His-Purkinje system function. The resolution of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure therapy improved the advanced AV block. Therefore, the bradyarrhythmia was determined to be an OSA-induced AV block that occurred before oxygen desaturation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Block / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / complications*