An updated review on the clinicopathologic aspects of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathology
• Forensic Medicine

Background:

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults.
• Diagnosis is often missed in forensic pathology due to lack of clinical history.
• Undiagnosed ARVC has hereditary implications for family members and medicolegal consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature and provide a novel approach to diagnosing ARVC in forensic pathology.
• To identify characteristic histopathologic features for ARVC diagnosis.
• To elucidate new insights into ARVC pathogenesis and address controversial issues.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of recent scientific literature on ARVC.
• Inclusion of expert experience in forensic pathology cases.
• Focus on identifying distinct histopathologic findings.

Main Results:

• Identified key histopathologic features diagnostic or highly suggestive of ARVC.
• Highlighted new insights into the pathogenesis of ARVC.
• Provided a framework for improved diagnosis in cases lacking clinical history.

Conclusions:

• Histopathologic examination is crucial for diagnosing ARVC in forensic settings.
• Understanding characteristic features aids in identifying hereditary cases and preventing missed diagnoses.
• This review clarifies controversial aspects and enhances understanding of ARVC.