A challenging ECG: a case of a lengthening PR interval

Postgrad Med. 2019 Nov;131(8):572-573. doi: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1669917. Epub 2019 Oct 1.

Abstract

A 62-year-old man presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and chest tightness. His initial ECG appeared to have an ectopic P-wave with a lengthening PR interval consistent with second degree AV block - Mobitz Type I. But closer inspection showed a faster, independent atrial rate. The patient was diagnosed with ectopic atrial bradycardia with complete AV block and junctional escape, and was ultimately referred for pacemaker.

Keywords: AV block; Cardiology; arrhythmia; electrocardiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Block / complications
  • Atrioventricular Block / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / complications
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / surgery*