Paroxysmal AV Block Prognosis

Overview

Prognosis of intrinsic paroxysmal AV block is more dire than extrinsic idiopathic paroxysmal AV block or extrinsic vagal paroxysmal AV block.

Prognosis

• Given the presence of an innate structural defect, there is an increase risk of progression to complete AV Block in patients with intrinsic AV block. Sparse literature suggest some correlation between length of asystole and increased severity.
• Given that extrinsic vagally mediated AV block is not associated with an innate conduction defect (seen in intrinsic paroxysmal AV block) and is at the level of the AV node, it is considered benign.
• Given the absence of structural heart disease, the paroxysmal nature of the episodes and the low probability of progression into more severe forms of AV block, extrinsic idiopathic paroxysmal AV block has a good prognosis.