Onset of complete atrioventricular block 15 years after ventricular septal defect surgery.

A 4-month-old girl with a ventricular septal defect underwent cardiac surgery. During the operation, complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) occurred, but on postoperative day 16 it converted to normal sinus rhythm with persistent complete right bundle branch block and left anterior hemiblock. Fourteen years after the operation, second-degree atrioventricular block was detected, but her general condition was good. Fifteen years after the operation, CAVB occurred. The intracardiac electrophysiologic recording revealed A-H and H-V block. A permanent pacemaker was implanted, and following the implantation she completely recovered.