[Left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy caused by a novel nonsense mutation in desmoplakin]

Josep Navarro-Manchón1, Elena Fernández, Begoña Igual

  • 1Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital La Fe, Valencia, España.

Insights

Left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (LDAC) is a genetic heart condition. Familial screening identified a novel desmoplakin gene mutation in affected individuals, confirming the LDAC diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (LDAC) presents with distinct genetic and phenotypic traits.
  • A familial study investigated five Spanish relatives exhibiting LDAC characteristics.

Purpose:

  • To characterize the phenotypic and genetic profile of LDAC within a Spanish family.
  • To identify the underlying genetic mutation responsible for LDAC in the studied cohort.

Summary:

  • A young male presented with ventricular tachycardia and left ventricular late gadolinium enhancement, preceded by cold exposure.
  • Resting ECG revealed low potentials, delayed depolarization, and AV conduction issues; biopsy showed myocyte loss and fibrosis.
  • A novel nonsense mutation (Q1866X) in the desmoplakin gene was identified, leading to a truncated protein, confirming LDAC diagnosis through familial screening.

Impact:

  • Highlights the importance of familial screening in diagnosing LDAC.
  • Identifies a novel desmoplakin gene mutation associated with LDAC.
  • Contributes to understanding the genetic basis and clinical presentation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Desmosomes01:05

Desmosomes

The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are  essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein complexes comprising desmosomal...
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 IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
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.