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.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
49
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
45
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
21
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
25
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
30
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
1.2K