Clinical and electrocardiographic presentations of transient trifascicular block in three cats

Eva M Oxford; Flavia B Giacomazzi; N Sydney Moïse; Roberto A Santilli

doi:10.1016/j.jvc.2018.02.002

Clinical and electrocardiographic presentations of transient trifascicular block in three cats

J Vet Cardiol. 2018 Jun;20(3):204-212. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.02.002. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Authors

Eva M Oxford¹, Flavia B Giacomazzi¹, N Sydney Moïse¹, Roberto A Santilli²

Affiliations

¹ Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 930 Campus Road, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA.
² Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 930 Campus Road, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA. Electronic address: rs2259@cornell.edu.

PMID: 29572123
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.02.002

Abstract

This report describes transient trifascicular block in three cats presented with lethargy and inappetence, and elevated cardiac troponin I concentrations. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of cat 1 showed a sinus rhythm with pronounced first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, right bundle branch block, and left anterior fascicular block. The ECG of cat 2 showed truncular left bundle branch block alternating with left anterior fascicular block coupled with prolonged PR intervals, second-degree heart block, and paroxysmal third-degree AV block. The ECG of cat 3 showed first-degree AV block with concomitant right bundle branch block. The diagnosis of trifascicular block was made when paroxysmal third-degree AV block was documented. All cats recovered with medical management within weeks. Each cat resumed a sinus rhythm. Elevated cardiac troponin I concentrations suggested myocarditis that improved.

Keywords: Atrioventricular block; Bundle branch block; Myocarditis; Troponin I.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Animals
Atrioventricular Block / complications
Atrioventricular Block / diagnosis*
Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
Cat Diseases / physiopathology
Cats
Diagnosis, Differential
Electrocardiography / veterinary
Female
Male