Asystolie en phase aiguë d'infarctus du myocarde antéroseptal : une manifestation de la mise en jeu de réflexes endocardiaques

The authors report a case of paroxysmal, complete atrioventricular block during an anterior acute myocardial infarction, leading to asystolia. The different possible physiopathological mechanisms are discussed, suggesting a paroxysmal nodal conduction defect, secondary to transient parasympathetic stimulation, triggered by a Bezold-Jarish type of cardiac reflex. This reflex is frequently involved in various pathologic situations or diagnostic procedures, usual in cardiology. Although it is frequently observed in inferior myocardial infarction, it can occur during an anterior acute myocardial infarction.