Ventricular preexcitation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy: a causal relationship?

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

Mathias Emmel1, Seshadri Balaji, Narayanswami Sreeram

  • 1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University of Cologne, Germany.

Cardiology in the Young
|February 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study links dilated cardiomyopathy in children to ventricular preexcitation, even without arrhythmias. Interventions like catheter ablation can reverse this heart condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiomyopathy Research

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can have various causes.
  • Ventricular preexcitation, often associated with arrhythmias, is a known cardiac condition.
  • The relationship between DCM and preexcitation without sustained arrhythmias requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular preexcitation in children.
  • To determine if ventricular preexcitation, with or without arrhythmias, is linked to DCM of unknown etiology.
  • To explore potential treatment strategies and outcomes for this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series over six years.
  • Identification of pediatric patients with DCM and ventricular preexcitation.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) and invasive electrophysiologic studies (EPS) for pathway localization.
  • Assessment of treatment responses to antifailure medications and catheter ablation.

Main Results:

  • Four children identified with DCM and ventricular preexcitation; three without documented tachyarrhythmias.
  • Accessory pathways localized to the right atrioventricular groove in all cases.
  • Antifailure medications showed no improvement in ventricular function.
  • Catheter ablation resulted in DCM resolution in two patients.
  • Spontaneous resolution of preexcitation and DCM occurred in one child.

Conclusions:

  • Manifest ventricular preexcitation, even without sustained arrhythmias, is associated with reversible dilated cardiomyopathy in children.
  • Catheter ablation appears to be an effective treatment for resolving DCM in these cases.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications.

More Related Videos

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia09:36

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Published on: December 22, 2023

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples14:39

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples

Published on: April 21, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.