Instructors' Collection ECG: Second-degree AV Block, Type II
The patient: Unfortunately, we no longer have information on this patient, other than the fact that she went to the OR for a permanent pacemaker implantation.
The ECG: The atrial rate (P waves) is 99 beats per minute. The P waves are regular and all alike (NSR). The ventricular rate (QRS complexes) is 33 bpm, and the QRS complexes are regular and all alike. The PR intervals, when A-V conduction occurs, are 162 ms (.16 seconds) and all alike. The QRS complexes are wide, at 122 ms (.12 seconds). There is right bundle branch block, but no left hemiblock, as the frontal plane axis is normal. The QTc is prolonged at 549 ms. Many ST segments on this ECG have a “flat” appearance, rather than the normal concave up shape.
The failure of 2 out of every 3 P waves to conduct indicates a second-degree AV block. Type I is a block of the AV node, with progressive prolongation of the PR interval until ONE P wave fails to conduct. Type II AV block is a block of the intraventricular conduction system. Clues that a second-degree AV block is Type II include:
· The PR intervals are all alike.
· More than one consecutive P wave is not conducted.
· A P wave that is NOT in the refractory period of the preceding beat is not conducted.