Key result
Concealed His depolarizations produce pseudo-AV block by rendering the AV node refractory to sinus impulses.
Why the study?
Pseudo-AV block secondary to His extrasystoles is a rare phenomenon that mimics AV block without intrinsic conduction system disease and requires recognition.
Highlights the importance of recognizing pseudo-AV block caused by His extrasystoles to avoid misdiagnosing intrinsic conduction system pathology.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports consideration of concealed His extrasystoles in unexplained AV block; hypothesis-generating and should not yet alter management.
Atrioventricular (AV) block encompasses a spectrum of conduction disturbances, yet not all apparent block reflects intrinsic disease of the AV node or His-Purkinje system (or even a true, isolated failure in depolarization propagation). Pseudo-AV block secondary to His extrasystoles is a rare but well-described phenomenon in which independent (eg, automaticity) concealed bundle of His depolarizations render the AV node refractory to subsequent sinus impulses, producing the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) appearance of AV block without intrinsic conduction system pathology.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Downey et al. (2026) conducted a review in Pseudo-atrioventricular block secondary to His extrasystoles. His extrasystoles was evaluated. Concealed bundle of His depolarizations can render the AV node refractory to sinus impulses, producing pseudo-atrioventricular block on surface ECG without intrinsic conduction system pathology.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: