Case 20: Blocked Premature Atrial Contractions in a Neonate

An infant delivered prematurely at 35 weeks gestation was detected arrhythmic at auscultation. A 12-lead ECG detected blocked premature atrial contractions and raised concerns about a possible pathological AV block. At 2 weeks of life, a Holter ECG was performed to quantify the PAC (premature atrial contractions) burden. The lab tests were normal and echocardiography revealed normal values (Figs. 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.5, 26.6, 26.7, 26.8, 26.9, 26.10, 26.11, 26.12, 26.13, and 26.14)