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Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Published on: December 22, 2023
Arrhythmia characterization and long-term outcomes in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Raymond W Sy1, Michael H Gollob, George J Klein
1University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada.
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) causes dangerous heart rhythms, often triggered by exercise or adrenaline. Even with treatment, breakthrough arrhythmias and adverse outcomes can occur, particularly in late-onset cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a life-threatening condition characterized by adrenergically induced ventricular tachycardia (VT).
- CPVT is associated with syncope and sudden cardiac death, posing significant clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize arrhythmias in CPVT regarding triggers, ECG features, and long-term outcomes.
- To explore the relationship between age of onset and clinical presentation in CPVT patients.
Main Methods:
- Seventy patients from 16 families underwent exercise and adrenaline challenge, with RyR2 mutation screening.
- CPVT diagnosis was based on symptoms, provoked VT, or RyR2 mutations.
- Long-term follow-up assessed recurrent syncope, VT, and sudden death.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven patients (median age 35) presented with syncope (56%) or cardiac arrest (33%).
- Polymorphic VT was provoked by exercise (63%) and adrenaline (82%), often originating from the outflow tract.
- During follow-up, breakthrough arrhythmias and adverse events occurred despite ICDs and beta-blockers, though late-onset CPVT showed a better prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Ventricular arrhythmias in CPVT frequently originate from the outflow tract.
- Despite current therapies like beta-blockers and ICDs, breakthrough arrhythmias and adverse outcomes remain a concern.
- Late-onset CPVT may have a more favorable prognosis with no observed fatal events in this cohort.
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