Left posterior fascicular block
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: LPFB; left posterior hemiblock; LPH
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Left posterior fascicular block is characterized by a mean frontal plane axis of >90° in the absence of other causes of right axis deviation. Left posterior hemiblock (left posterior fascicular block) is infrequent.[1] Its seen either in the setting of either RCA or LAD related pathologies.
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram findings in left posterior fascicular block include right axis deviation of the QRS complex, wide QRS complexes and a S1Q3 pattern.
References
- ↑ ABC of Clinical Electrocardiography, Morris F, Edhouse J, Brady WJ, Camm J, 2003
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Pathophysiology
Anatomical Course of the Left Fascicle
The left posterior fascicle is a distal extension of the left main bundle and courses posteriorly toward the posterior papillary muscle which is located in the posterior, medial and inferior aspect of left ventricle and inferoposteriorly toward the left ventricular free wall. [1]
Blood Supply of the Left Posterior Fascicle
The proximal part of the left posterior fascicle is supplied by the artery supplying the atrioventricular (AV) node (often the right coronary artery) and, at times, by septal branches of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
References
- ↑ Pathophysiology of Heart Disease, Lilly LS, 4th edition, 2006
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ayokunle Olubaniyi, M.B,B.S [2]
Overview
Isolated left posterior fascicular block is often an uncommon finding[1] owing to the fact that the left posterior fascicle has a dual blood supply, and it is exposed to lower pressures and turbulence, hence, it is rarely damaged. It usually accompanies right bundle branch block (RBBB) or in the setting of arteriosclerotic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction. Other less common causes include: infectious (e.g. diphteritic myocarditis, Chagas disease); genetic (e.g. myotonic dystrophy).
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.
Common Causes
Causes by Organ System
| Cardiovascular | Cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, diphteritic myocarditis, hypertensive heart disease, myocardial infarction |
| Chemical/Poisoning | No underlying causes |
| Dental | No underlying causes |
| Dermatologic | No underlying causes |
| Drug Side Effect | No underlying causes |
| Ear Nose Throat | No underlying causes |
| Endocrine | No underlying causes |
| Environmental | No underlying causes |
| Gastroenterologic | No underlying causes |
| Genetic | Kearns-Sayre syndrome, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy |
| Hematologic | No underlying causes |
| Iatrogenic | No underlying causes |
| Infectious Disease | Chagas disease, diphteritic myocarditis |
| Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic | Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy |
| Neurologic | Kearns-Sayre syndrome |
| Nutritional/Metabolic | No underlying causes |
| Obstetric/Gynecologic | No underlying causes |
| Oncologic | No underlying causes |
| Ophthalmologic | No underlying causes |
| Overdose/Toxicity | No underlying causes |
| Psychiatric | No underlying causes |
| Pulmonary | Cor pulmonale |
| Renal/Electrolyte | Hyperkalemia |
| Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy | No underlying causes |
| Sexual | No underlying causes |
| Trauma | No underlying causes |
| Urologic | No underlying causes |
| Miscellaneous | No underlying causes |
Causes in Alphabetical Order
- Cor pulmonale
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chagas disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Diphteritic myocarditis
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Kearns-Sayre syndrome
- Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
- Myocardial infarction
- Myotonic dystrophy
References
Differentiating Left posterior fascicular block from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | Electrocardiogram | Echocardiography | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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