[Disease name] was first discovered by [scientist name], a [nationality + occupation], in [year] during/following [event].
In [year], [gene] mutations were first identified in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
In [year], the first [discovery] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].
Classification
Bifascicular block may present in 3 types based on the location of the block:
The block in right bundle branch and left anterior fascicle (more common type)
The block in right bundle branch and left posterior fascicle
Complete left bundle branch block
Bifascicular block is also classified into acute and chronic type.
Pathophysiology
The bifascicular block is due to a coronary blood supply occlusion or mechanotrauma to the fascicle. Because of a single coronary artery blood supply to the anterior fascicle or it's relationship with left ventricular outflow tract, the involvement of the left anterior fascicle is more common than left posterior fascicle. The block of two fascicles, the heart's electrical impulse is conducted through one fascicle.
The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of [disease name], involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
Clinical Features
Differentiating [disease name] from other Diseases
[Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
[Differential dx1]
[Differential dx2]
[Differential dx3]
Epidemiology and Demographics
The bifascicular block occurs in approximately 1 to 2 % of adult population.
In [year], the incidence of [disease name] was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].
Age
Patients of all age groups may develop [disease name].
[Disease name] is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
[Disease name] is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
Gender
[Disease name] affects men and women equally.
[Gender 1] are more commonly affected with [disease name] than [gender 2].
The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
Race
There is no racial predilection for [disease name].
[Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
[Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].
Causes:
Common causes of bifascicular block development include :
Ischemic hear disease
HypertensionAortic stenosis
Anterior MI
Hyperkalemia
Degeneration of conduction system in Lev's disease
Congenital heart disease
Structural heart disease
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
The majority of patients remain asymptomatic until the progression of bradycardia due to atrioventricular block.
Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
If left untreated, [#%] of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
The bifascicular block may progress to atrioventricular block in 1 to 4% of individuals and in 17% of symptomatic individuals annually.
Common complications of bifascicular block include ventricular tachycardia, complete heart block, and [complication 3]
The long-term prognosis in patients with bifascicular block is poor. The mortality of patients with bifascicular block is ranged between 2% to 15% with a 9% risk of sudden death. A higher mortality rate (29-38%) was reported in patients with syncope in the setting of structural heart disease and low left ventricular ejection fraction.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
The diagnosis of bifascicular block is made when a right bundle branch block is seen with left anterior or left posterior block on ECG:
[criterion 1]
[criterion 2]
[criterion 3]
[criterion 4]
Symptoms
Most of the patients with bifascicular block are aysmptomatic.
Symptoms of bifascicular block may include the following:
Pre-syncope
Syncope
Sudden death
Physical Examination
Patients with bifascicular block do not have any specific signs in the physical examination.
Bradycardia may be present.
Laboratory Findings
There are no specific laboratory findings associated with [disease name].
A [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of [disease name].
An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
Imaging Findings
There are no imaging findings associated with bifascicular block.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Bifascicular block is diagnosed using ECG.
Findings on ECG include: 1) right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular block, 2) right bundle branch block and left posteror fascicular block, and 3) left anterior fascicular block and left posterior fascicular block.
The ECG findings in right bundle branch block include: 1) supraventricular rhythm, 2) QRS complex ≥ 120 ms, 3) slurred S-wave in lead I, 4) Terminal R-wave in lead V1.
The ECG findings in left anterior fascicular block include: 1) left axis deviation, 2) presence of rS complexes in inferior leads, 3) qR complexes in high lateral leads, 4) widening of QRS complexes
The ECG findings in left posterior fascicular block include: 1) right axis deviation, 2) qR complexes in inferior leads, 3) rS complexes in high lateral leads, 4) widening of QRS complexes
Treatment
Medical Therapy
There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
Patients with acute bifascicular block may need a temporary pacemaker due to the possibility of complete heart block development.
In patients with chronic bifascicular block, pacemaker implantation is needed in symptomatic patients, particularly syncope. It is also indicated in asymptomatic patients with intermittent third-degree, type II second-degree AV block, or alternating bundle branch block. Asymptomatic patients who undergo electrophysiologic study and have an incidental finding of prolonged HV interval (> 100 ms) or block below the His at long cycle length may need permanent pacing. Another indication for pacemaker therapy is the presence of neuromascular disease regardless of the presence of symptoms.
The mainstay of therapy for [disease name] is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
[Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action 1].
Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
Surgery
Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for [disease name].
[Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of [disease name].
[Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] [disease name].
Prevention
There are no primary preventive measures available for [disease name].
Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with [disease name] are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].
2012 ACC/AHA/HRS Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities (DO NOT EDIT)[1][2]
Permanent Pacing in Chronic Bifascicular Block (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
"2. Permanent pacemaker implantation is reasonable for an incidental finding at electrophysiological study of a markedly prolonged HV interval (greater than or equal to 100 milliseconds) in asymptomatic patients. (Level of Evidence: B)[17]"
"3. Permanent pacemaker implantation is reasonable for an incidental finding at electrophysiological study of pacing-induced infra-His block that is not physiological. (Level of Evidence: B)[29]"
The ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities [2]
References
↑Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA, Freedman RA, Gettes LS, Gillinov AM, Gregoratos G, Hammill SC, Hayes DL, Hlatky MA, Newby LK, Page RL, Schoenfeld MH, Silka MJ, Stevenson LW, Sweeney MO, Tracy CM, Epstein AE, Darbar D, DiMarco JP, Dunbar SB, Estes NA, Ferguson TB, Hammill SC, Karasik PE, Link MS, Marine JE, Schoenfeld MH, Shanker AJ, Silka MJ, Stevenson LW, Stevenson WG, Varosy PD (2013). "2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 61 (3): e6–75. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2012.11.007. PMID23265327.
↑ 2.02.12.2 Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NAM III, Freedman RA, Gettes LS, Gillinov AM, Gregoratos G, Hammill SC, Hayes DL, Hlatky MA, Newby LK, Page RL, Schoenfeld MH, Silka MJ, Stevenson LW, Sweeney MO. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the ACC/AHA/NASPE 2002 Guideline Update for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices). Circulation. 2008; 117: 2820–2840. PMID 18483207