The frequency of type 2 second-degree and third-degree atrioventricular block induced by blunt chest trauma in the emergency department: A multicenter study.

Background: Conduction disturbances including type 2 second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz II) and third-degree atrioventricular block following blunt chest trauma are probably rare. Moreover, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this rare dysrhythmia following trauma are not well understood yet. In this study, it was aimed to identify the frequency of this dysrhythmia associated with trauma.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-three consecutive Mobitz II block and third-degree atrioventricular block patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Internal Medicine between January 2012 and March 2013 were evaluated. Only four patients with Mobitz II block and third-degree atrioventricular block associated with trauma were enrolled into the present study. The level of atrioventricular block was defined according to electrocardiographic characteristics.

Results: Only four (mean age: 40.2±19.7 years, two male) of 253 patients were associated with trauma. All patients had normal coronary arteries in coronary angiography or multislice computed tomography. Permanent pacemaker was performed in two patients with third-degree atrioventricular block. None of the patients had coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Conclusion: Rare clinical cases in the literature confirm that blunt chest trauma can cause conduction defects, which are usually transient. However, patients with blunt chest trauma must need an electrocardiographic evaluation for atrioventricular block upon admission and in the follow-up period.