Histopathological findings of cardiac conduction system of 150 Finns

Diagnostic value of post-mortem examination of the cardiac conduction system

“…It should be done with caution, because of unspecific (fibrofatty infiltration) and ageing-related changes (calcification, fibrosis, etc.) in the area [3,6,10,11]. Some forensic pathologists have therefore modified and simplified examination of the CCS.…”

Bradyarrhythmias in the Elderly

“…6,7 In one pathology series of hearts from 150 adults of different ages, almost all patients had the development of fibrofatty tissue and about 50% displayed calcification in this region. 7 In 7 hearts, calcium deposition was so extensive that it impinged on a portion of the AV conduction system.…”

“…6,7 In one pathology series of hearts from 150 adults of different ages, almost all patients had the development of fibrofatty tissue and about 50% displayed calcification in this region. 7 In 7 hearts, calcium deposition was so extensive that it impinged on a portion of the AV conduction system. 7 The impact of these pathoanatomic changes on AV node function is uncertain; in fact, one small clinical study found that refractory periods of the AV node prolonged only slightly once adulthood was reached.…”

“…7 In 7 hearts, calcium deposition was so extensive that it impinged on a portion of the AV conduction system. 7 The impact of these pathoanatomic changes on AV node function is uncertain; in fact, one small clinical study found that refractory periods of the AV node prolonged only slightly once adulthood was reached. 8 However, as discussed later, large population studies have consistently demonstrated progressive delay in AV conduction with age.…”

Digital 3D reconstruction of two parahissian accessory bundles in a case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

“…Other conduction system pathologies, such as fibrosis [7], calcium deposits or fatty infiltration of conduction system structures [8], can be recognized without a 3D reconstruction. We report digitally reconstructed histological findings of parahissian accessory bundles in a 24-day-old male who died after a short period of illness and was diagnosed with probable WPW syndrome based on post-resuscitation ECG (electrocardiogram) results.…”