Arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death: Left or right?

Rachoin Rachoin1, Bernard Abi Saleh2, Bilal Mansour3

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital Notre Dame des Secours, Beirut, Lebanon.

Insights

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) causes sudden cardiac death in athletes. This study highlights diverse ARVC presentations, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis via cardiac MRI.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes, particularly in Italy and the Mediterranean.
  • While typically affecting the right ventricle with scarring and dilation, ARVC can also manifest in the left ventricle.

Observation:

  • This study reviews four distinct cases of ARVC diagnosed over the last two years.
  • The cases presented varied clinical and imaging manifestations of the disease.

Findings:

  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is crucial for diagnosing ARVC, serving as the gold standard.
  • The diverse presentations underscore the complexity of ARVC, extending beyond the typical right ventricular involvement.

Implications:

  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of ARVC is vital for preventing sudden cardiac death in at-risk populations.
  • Understanding the varied presentations of ARVC can improve clinical recognition and management strategies.

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