Outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: An update

During the last 20 years, the molecular etiology for many ventricular tachyarrhythmias once referred to as "idiopathic," has been elucidated. These arrhythmias are due to mutations in ion channels or structural proteins and include ventricular tachyarrhythmias due to long and short QT syndromes, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the basis for the most common form of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia, which originates from right or left ventricular outflow tracts, has remained elusive. Although traditionally considered a benign ventricular arrhythmia, it is now appreciated that some outflow tract arrhythmias also trigger polymorphic VT or sudden cardiac death or result in cardiomyopathy. The current understanding of outflow tract arrhythmias will be examined.