Atrioventricular Block and Atrioventricular Dissociation

The atrioventricular (AV) block is linked to some important electropathophysiologic mechanisms, such as conduction slowing and escape rhythm. It is also linked to typical electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns, for example, the Wenckebach period or Mobitz block, and to other potential precursors of complete AV block, such as fascicular blocks and their combinations. Overall, the AV block, with its various degrees, is of great clinical importance.

Principally, a conduction block represents a prolongation of conduction time and not necessarily an absolute and fixed conduction block. Therefore, any conduction block (bundle-branch block, fascicular block, sinuatrial block, AV block) can be a variable condition that is reversible under some circumstances. AV dissociation represents a complex term and its significance depends on several conditions.