[Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy - diagnosis in childhood]

Z Kardiol. 2003 May;92(5):418-24. doi: 10.1007/s00392-003-0937-0.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a rare, but important cause for sudden death in adolescents and young adults. Part of the patients affected show the pattern of autosomal-dominant inheritance. Two pediatric patients with ARVD/C are presented who may reflect the spectrum of clinical presentation of ARVD/C in childhood resulting in difficulties or even delay to establish the correct diagnosis. One patient with a sporadic form of ARVD/C presented with a syncope and spontaneous as well as inducible ventricular tachycardia. On the ECG, an epsilon wave could be identified. An automatic cardioverter defibrillator was implanted. The second patient had a familiar form of ARVD/C with no symptoms. There was a history of frequent sudden deaths in this family. Biopsies of the right ventricular myocardium showed fibrosis with deposition of fatty tissue. There was clear evidence of ARVD/C in the necropsy of the patient's aunt. Therapy with propanolol was started in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / diagnosis*
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / drug therapy
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / genetics
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / pathology
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / therapy
  • Autopsy
  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Ventricles / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Pedigree
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Sex Factors
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Propranolol