The Novel Familial ST-Depression Syndrome - Current Knowledge and Perspectives

Familial ST-depression syndrome represents a novel inherited disease characterized by nonischemic ST-segment depressions in multiple leads. The ECG phenotype appears to debut around puberty, while the typical onset of arrhythmias occurs around 50 years of age. Clinical manifestations include supraventricular arrhythmias, fast polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac death, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The optimal treatment is unknown but asymptomatic individuals without red flags may not need treatment. In contrast, ICD implantation should be considered in patients with probable arrhythmic syncope and in those fulfilling general criteria for ICD treatment. Future research should focus on establishing the disease prevalence, optimizing risk stratification and treatment, and elucidating the underlying genetic etiology.