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Is arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy a paediatric problem too?
P Turrini1, C Basso, L Daliento
1Department of Pathology, University of Padua Medical School, Padova, Italy.
Images in Paediatric Cardiology
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heart condition that can affect children and adolescents. Early identification and careful follow-up are crucial, especially with a family history, as symptoms may develop or worsen over time.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a familial heart muscle disease.
- It involves fatty or fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricle, leading to arrhythmias.
- ARVC is typically diagnosed in adults aged 20-40, often missed in younger individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and characteristics of ARVC in the pediatric age group (birth to 18 years).
- To emphasize the importance of applying adult diagnostic criteria to children and adolescents.
- To highlight the need for careful evaluation and long-term follow-up of pediatric ARVC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ARVC in pediatric populations.
- Application of established diagnostic criteria for ARVC in children and adolescents.
- Analysis of arrhythmia types and clinical presentation in young patients.
Main Results:
- ARVC is not as rare in children and adolescents as previously thought.
- Pediatric patients can present with a range of ventricular arrhythmias, from isolated events to life-threatening tachycardia and fibrillation.
- Genetic identification offers potential for early, asymptomatic diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- ARVC requires careful evaluation and monitoring in children and adolescents, particularly those with a family history.
- The risk of developing symptoms or worsening arrhythmias is significant during childhood and adolescence.
- Early genetic testing may facilitate timely diagnosis and management of pediatric ARVC.
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