Hyderabad, Aug 14: In a remarkable paediatric cardiac emergency, an 11–month–old boy was successfully treated at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad after presenting in critical condition with suspected congenital heart block, severe cardiomyopathy, and decompensated heart failure following a cardiac arrest. The child was brought to the hospital in an intubated state and required intensive cardiovascular and respiratory support.
On evaluation, bedside echocardiography revealed severe global reduction in heart function, with an ejection fraction of approximately 15%. Despite intensive medical management, the child developed persistent bradycardia, with ECG findings indicating a 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block and intermittent complete heart block. Considering the potentially life–threatening rhythm abnormality, the paediatric cardiology and critical care teams decided to proceed with permanent pacemaker implantation.
“In a child with severe heart failure and persistent heart block, timely recognition and intervention are critical. The pacemaker helped restore an appropriate heart rate and provided the cardiac support needed during this critical phase. The successful outcome highlights the importance of coordinated paediatric cardiology and intensive care in managing complex cardiac emergencies in infants,” said Dr. Veda Vallala, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals.
The pacemaker was successfully implanted on 25 July 2026, with the procedure completed without complications. Following the intervention and continued intensive care, the child’s cardiac and respiratory condition gradually improved. He was successfully weaned from ventilatory support and subsequently remained haemodynamically stable, without respiratory distress or fever, before being discharged under specialist follow-up.
The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of congenital heart rhythm disorders in children. Advanced paediatric cardiology, cardiac monitoring, emergency care, pacemaker implantation and multidisciplinary paediatric intensive care can play a crucial role in managing critically ill children with complex heart conditions.