Cartilaginous Metaplasia Involving the Atrioventricular Node and Bundle of His Contributing to Sudden Early Neonatal Death

Abstract

Cartilaginous metaplasia involving the atrioventricular (AV) node is an uncommon entity that may cause sudden cardiac death secondary to dysrhythmias. We report 2 autopsy cases of full-term male newborns: 1 stillborn and 1 live-born, with antemortem bradycardia who died in the peripartum period. An examination of the cardiac conduction system in both cases demonstrated extensive cartilaginous metaplasia of the central fibrous body and involvement of the AV node and bundle of His. The cases highlight the recognition of cardiac conduction system anomalies as a cause of sudden perinatal death. In cases of perinatal death with preceding arrhythmia, postmortem sections of the cardiac conduction system are recommended to examine for cardiac conduction system anomaly.

Adverse Health Effects of the Long-Term Simultaneous Exposure to Arsenic and Particulate Matter in a Murine Model

“…The three exposed groups (As, PM 2.5 , and As + PM 2.5 ) showed cartilaginous metaplasia; although time-related cartilaginous metaplasia areas did not show similarities among groups. An increment of this heart alteration may cause sudden cardiac death [ 37 ].…”