Complete heart block and severe aortic stenosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthtritis: A case report

Abstract

Background: A 77-year-old male patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital for investigation of syncope and dyspnea on exertion class II according to NYHA class association. Case presentation: The electrocardiogram revealed complete heart block whereas the echocardiogram showed severe aortic valve stenosis with a peak gradient = 80 mmHg. A permanent pacemaker was implanted in addition to aortic valve replacement. The coexistence of complete heart block and severe aortic stenosis with rheumatoid arthritis are presented. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to assess whether a true association of the above conditions exist. © 2009 Moyssakis et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.