Management of fetal complete atrioventricular block.

Congenital atrioventricular block was diagnosed with B-mode and M-mode ultrasonography at the 30th week of gestation in a bradycardic fetus. Major anomalies were excluded and prenatal fetal well-being was monitored with daily B-mode and maternal perception of fetal movement to detect circulatory derangement at an early stage. Because of the sudden onset of circulatory failure, emergency Caesarean section was performed to save the otherwise normal fetus. Two days later, the infant developed ventricular fibrillation, for which surgical intervention was indicated. Pacemaking was effective in reestablishing the neonatal circulation.