Risk Stratification in Arrhythmic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Without Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

JACC Clin Electrophysiol. 2016 Oct;2(5):558-564. doi: 10.1016/j.jacep.2016.03.015. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is risk stratification of patients with arrhythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Background: There is a need to identify those who need an automatic implantable defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden death.

Methods: This is an analysis of 88 patients with ARVC from three centers who were not treated with an ICD.

Results: Risk factors for subsequent arrhythmic deaths were pre-enrollment sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and decreased left ventricular function.

Conclusion: These factors serve as proposed guidelines for implantation of an ICD in patients with ARVC to prevent sudden death.

Keywords: arrhythmogenesis; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy; risk stratification in ARVC.