Classic Presentation of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Syncope is a frequent emergency department presentation in children and adolescents.
• While often benign (vasovagal), syncope can indicate serious underlying cardiac arrhythmias.
• Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent adverse outcomes.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old male experienced collapse and cardiac arrest during an emotional event.
• Initial evaluation suggested a primary cardiac arrhythmia, with clinical suspicion for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).
• Key diagnostic factors included emotional trigger, family history of sudden cardiac death, and absence of structural heart defects.

Findings:

• Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of CPVT.
• The patient received a beta-blocker and a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD).

Implications:

• CPVT is often missed in young patients presenting with syncope, increasing mortality risk.
• Children and young adults with unexplained syncope and high-risk features require thorough cardiac evaluation.
• Referral to cardiology is recommended to rule out chronic cardiac arrhythmias like CPVT.