Right bundle branch block

A right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a defect in the heart's electrical conduction system.^[1]

During a right bundle branch block, the right ventricle is not directly activated by impulses travelling through the right bundle branch. The left ventricle however, is still normally activated by the left bundle branch. These impulses are then able to travel through the myocardium of the left ventricle to the right ventricle and depolarise the right ventricle this way. As conduction through myocardium is slower than conduction through the Bundle of His-Purkinje fibres the QRS complex is seen to be widened. The QRS complex often shows an extra deflection which reflects the rapid depolarisation of the left ventricle followed by the slower depolarisation of the right ventricle.

RBBB usually has pathological cause, although it is seen in healthy individuals.^[2]

ECG diagnosis

The criteria to diagnose a right bundle branch block on the electrocardiogram:

• The heart rhythm must originate above the ventricles (i.e. sinoatrial node, atria or atrioventricular node) to activate the conduction system at the correct point.
• The QRS duration must be more than 100 ms (incomplete block) or more than 120 ms (complete block)^[3]
• There should be a terminal R wave in lead V1 (e.g. R, rR', rsR', rSR' or qR)
• There should be a slurred S wave in leads I and V6.

The T wave should be deflected opposite the terminal deflection of the QRS complex. This is known as appropriate T wave discordance with bundle branch block. A concordant T wave may suggest ischemia or myocardial infarction.

A mnemonic to remember the ECG changes is WiLLiaM MaRRoW, i.e. with LBBB there is a W in V1 and a M in V6 and with a RBBB there is a M in lead V1 and a W in lead V6

Prevalence of RBBB increases with age.

ICD 9 : 426.4

Gallery

See also

• Bundle branch block
• Left bundle branch block

References