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Wenckebach – athlete — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateCardiologyWenckebach – athleteRACP Paediatrics

A 12-year-old athletic boy has a resting heart rate of 48 bpm. ECG shows regular P waves followed by QRS complexes with a gradually prolonging PR interval until a P wave is not conducted, then the cycle restarts. He is asymptomatic. What is the ECG diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Second-degree type I (Wenckebach)

Progressive PR prolongation followed by a dropped QRS complex (Wenckebach phenomenon) is second-degree AV block type I. In fit adolescents, this is usually benign and reflects high vagal tone. It is common in athletes and typically resolves with exercise. No treatment is usually required but follow-up is recommended.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2023 – Bradycardia CPG; RACP Paediatric Curriculum – Cardiology