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Undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as complete heart block and ventricular arrhythmia
Kyle Mcbeath1, Shohreh Honarbakhsh1, Mohammad Chowdhury1
1Department of Cardiology, King George Hospital and Barking, Havering, Redbridge NHS Trust, London, UK.
Insights
Early diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis is crucial. This case highlights 18F-FDG PET/CT
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac sarcoidosis affects up to 50% of sarcoidosis patients, significantly worsening prognosis.
- Early detection and treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis are vital to prevent arrhythmias and heart failure.
Observation:
- A young male presented with complete heart block and preserved biventricular function.
- He later experienced ventricular tachycardia with impaired left ventricular function, indicative of undiagnosed systemic sarcoidosis.
Findings:
- 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) enabled accurate diagnosis.
- The case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cardiac sarcoidosis.
Implications:
- 18F-FDG PET/CT is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone in managing and monitoring cardiac sarcoidosis.
- This imaging modality aids in timely intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis has been reported to be as high as 50% of cases and it is well documented that it is associated with a poorer prognosis. Early recognition and treatment is key to reducing the risk of fatal arrhythmias and heart failure. We report a case of undiagnosed systemic sarcoidosis in a young man who initially presented to the emergency department with complete heart block in the context of preserved biventricular systolic function, and then again with ventricular tachycardia and moderately impaired left ventricular systolic function. We discuss how 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT was used for accurate diagnosis and how its role in the management of sarcoidosis has expanded with recent evidence suggesting it to be a mainstay of management and disease monitoring in cardiac sarcoidosis.
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