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Cardiac arrest secondary to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in an adolescent male
Meryam Jan1, Michael S Shillingford1, Harma K Turbendian2
1Wolfson Children's Hospital, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Insights
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart condition, can present as sudden cardiac arrest in teens. Early diagnosis via genetic testing and prompt intervention like CPR and ICD placement are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare, inherited heart muscle disease.
- It can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
- Genetic factors play a significant role in ARVC pathogenesis.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male experienced a witnessed cardiac arrest.
- Initial echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings were inconclusive for a specific cause.
- The patient was previously asymptomatic.
Findings:
- Genetic testing identified mutations in PKP2 and DSC2 genes, confirming ARVC diagnosis.
- The case illustrates ARVC presenting as an aborted sudden cardiac death in an adolescent.
- Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was vital for the patient's immediate survival.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ARVC in young individuals with unexplained cardiac arrest.
- Genetic testing is essential for diagnosing ARVC, especially with ambiguous initial findings.
- Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement is indicated for secondary prevention in ARVC patients post-cardiac arrest.
Abstract:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare, genetically-inherited cardiomyopathy that may be fatal. We present the case of a 17 year old male who presented after a witnessed cardiac arrest with indeterminate echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings for a specific etiology. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the PKP2 and DSC2 genes, consistent with ARVC. This report outlines the presentation of ARVC as an aborted sudden cardiac death episode in a previously asymptomatic teenager, investigations for ARVC and highlights the importance of adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the overall prognosis. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement for secondary prevention is necessary.
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