Arrhythmias right ventricular cardiomyopathy and sports activity: from molecular pathways in diseased hearts to new insights into the athletic heart mimicry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Gasperetti ◽  
Cynthia A James ◽  
Marina Cerrone ◽  
Mario Delmar ◽  
Hugh Calkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Phenotypic Expression ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Inherited Disease ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Among other factors, physical exercise has been clearly identified as a strong determinant of phenotypic expression of the disease, arrhythmia risk, and disease progression. Because of this, current guidelines advise that individuals with ARVC should not participate in competitive or frequent high-intensity endurance exercise. Exercise-induced electrical and morphological para-physiological remodelling (the so-called ‘athlete’s heart’) may mimic several of the classic features of ARVC. Therefore, the current International Task Force Criteria for disease diagnosis may not perform as well in athletes. Clear adjudication between the two conditions is often a real challenge, with false positives, that may lead to unnecessary treatments, and false negatives, which may leave patients unprotected, both of which are equally inacceptable. This review aims to summarize the molecular interactions caused by physical activity in inducing cardiac structural alterations, and the impact of sports on arrhythmia occurrence and other clinical consequences in patients with ARVC, and help the physicians in setting the two conditions apart.

scholarly journals An International Evidence Based Reappraisal of Genes Associated with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) using the ClinGen Framework

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia A. James ◽  
Jan D.H. Jongbloed ◽  
Ray E. Hershberger ◽  
Ana Morales ◽  
Daniel P. Judge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Inherited Disease ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Moderate Evidence ◽  
Major Criterion

Background - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and progressive ventricular dysfunction. Genetic testing is recommended and a pathogenic variant in an ARVC-associated gene is a major criterion for diagnosis according to the 2010 Task Force Criteria (TFC). As incorrect attribution of a gene to ARVC can contribute to misdiagnosis, we assembled an international multidisciplinary ARVC ClinGen Gene Curation Expert Panel to reappraise all reported ARVC genes. Methods - Following a comprehensive literature search, six two-member teams conducted blinded independent curation of reported ARVC genes using the semi-quantitative ClinGen framework. Results - Of 26 reported ARVC genes, only six ( PKP2 , DSP , DSG2 , DSC2 , JUP , TMEM43 ) had strong evidence and were classified as definitive for ARVC causation. There was moderate evidence for two genes, DES and PLN . The remaining 18 genes had limited or no evidence. RYR2 was refuted as an ARVC gene since clinical data and model systems exhibited a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) phenotype. In ClinVar, only 5 pathogenic / likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants (1.1%) in limited evidence genes had been reported in ARVC cases in contrast to 450 desmosome gene variants (97.4%). Conclusions - Using the ClinGen approach to gene-disease curation, only eight genes, ( PKP2 , DSP , DSG2 , DSC2 , JUP , TMEM43 , PLN , DES ) had definitive or moderate evidence for ARVC and these genes accounted for nearly all P/LP ARVC variants in ClinVar. Therefore, only P/LP variants in these eight genes should yield a major criterion for ARVC diagnosis. P/LP variants identified in other genes in a patient should prompt further phenotyping as variants in many of these genes are associated with other cardiovascular conditions.

scholarly journals Impact of Genetic Variant Reassessment on the Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Based on the 2010 Task Force Criteria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Costa ◽  
Argelia Medeiros-Domingo ◽  
Alessio Gasperetti ◽  
Deniz Akdis ◽  
Wolfgang Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Genetic Variant ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Genetic Test Results ◽  
The Impact

Background - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy, which is associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Approximately 60% of patients carry a putative disease-causing genetic variant, but interpretation of genetic test results can be challenging. The aims of this study were to systematically reclassify genetic variants in patients with ARVC and to assess the impact on ARVC diagnosis. Methods - This study included patients from the Multicenter Zurich ARVC Registry who hosted a genetic variant deemed to be associated with the disease. Reclassification of pathogenicity was performed according to the modified 2015 American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria. ARVC diagnosis (categories: definite, borderline, possible) based on the 2010 Task Force Criteria (TFC) was reclassified after genetic re-adjudication. Results - In 79 patients bearing 80 unique genetic variants, n=47 (58.8%) genetic variants were reclassified, and reclassification was judged to be clinically relevant in n=33 (41.3%). Variants in plakophilin-2 ( PKP2 ) were shown to reclassify less frequently as compared to other genes ( PKP2 , n=1, 8.3%; desmosomal non- PKP2 , n=20, 66.7%; non-desmosomal, n=26, 68.4%) (p=0.001 for overall comparison; PKP2 vs desmosomal non- PKP2 , p=0.001; PKP2 vs non-desmosomal, p< 0.001). Genetic reclassification impacted ARVC diagnosis. Eight patients (10.1%) were downgraded from definite to borderline/possible disease at the time of initial genetic testing as well as last follow-up, respectively. Separate genetic reclassification in family members led to downgrading of n=5 (38.5%) of variants. Conclusions - Given that approximately half of genetic variants were reclassified, with 10.1% of patients losing their definite disease status, accurate determination of variant pathogenicity is of utmost importance in the diagnosis of ARVC.

scholarly journals Outcomes and management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in pregnancy: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Schiavone ◽  
Margherita Calcagnino ◽  
Andrea Mazzanti ◽  
Carla Bonanomi
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Elective Caesarean Section ◽  
Favourable Outcome ◽  
Inherited Disease ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Icd Implantation ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Gestational Week

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease with an estimated prevalence of up to 1:5000 in the general population. Few cases of ARVC during pregnancy are described in literature. Case summary A 32-year-old primigravida was referred to our clinic during the 32nd gestational week. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis with biventricular involvement was made according to Task Force criteria. Beta-blocker therapy was started and an elective caesarean section was planned, during the 37th gestational week; no complications occurred. Thirteen months after delivery, the patient was readmitted in our hospital due to an episode of pre-syncope and after team discussion, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. Discussion This case suggests that the absence of signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF) at a first evaluation plays a major role to predict maternal and foetal outcome in ARVC. Our experience is consistent with the evidence that indicates a favourable outcome in asymptomatic patients treated with optimal medical therapy during pregnancy. In our case, despite no major HF or arrhythmic complications during pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium, we observed an arrhythmic disease progression more likely independent from pregnancy, leading to ICD implantation.

Screening relatives in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: yield of imaging and electrical investigations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jurlander ◽  
Helen L Mills ◽  
Kiri I Espersen ◽  
Anna Axelsson Raja ◽  
Jesper Hastrup Svendsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Inherited Disease ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Diagnostic Modalities ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg

Abstract Aims Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease and presymptomatic screening of relatives is recommended. In 2010, the Task Force Criteria (TFC2010) introduced specific diagnostic imaging parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of family screening and the value of different diagnostic modalities. Methods and results Family evaluation, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), is routinely offered to ARVC relatives at our institution. We retrospectively registered baseline characteristics, symptomatology, and results of non-invasive examinations from 2010 to 2016 and assessed the findings according to TFC2010. A total of 286 relatives (150 females; age 12–76 years; 251 first-degree) were included. A total of 103 (36%) individuals reported cardiovascular symptoms. The non-invasive workup showed that 101 (35%) relatives had ≥1 positive parameter on signal-averaged electrocardiogram (ECG), 40 (14%) had abnormal findings on Holter monitoring, 36 (13%) fulfilled an ECG criterion, six (2%) fulfilled CMR criteria, and echocardiographic abnormalities was seen in one (0.3%) relative. In total, 21 (7% overall; 13% among gene-positive subgroup) relatives were diagnosed with ARVC and 78 (27% overall; 49% among gene-positive subgroup) with borderline ARVC based on the combined non-invasive evaluations. Family history and electrical investigations alone diagnosed 20 out of 21 (95%) ARVC cases and 73 out of 78 (94%) borderline cases. Conclusion Consecutive evaluation of ARVC relatives diagnosed 7% with definite and 27% with borderline ARVC according to the TFC2010. Screening relatives for electrical abnormalities with 12 lead ECG, signal-averaged ECG, and Holter monitoring was more sensitive than imaging modalities.

Quality of life metrics in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients: The impact of age, shock and sex

2017 ◽  
Vol 248 ◽  
pp. 216-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley C. Rhodes ◽  
Brittney Murray ◽  
Crystal Tichnell ◽  
Cynthia A. James ◽  
Hugh Calkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract 15314: Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweena Chungsomprasong ◽  
Robert Hamilton ◽  
Wietske Luining ◽  
Shi-Joon Yoo ◽  
Meena Fatah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Myocardial Strain ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
End Diastolic Volume

Background: Involvement of the left ventricle (LV) is increasingly recognized in adults with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) but it is unclear whether LV function is compromised in children with this condition. The aim of this study was examine myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with suspected ARVC. Methods: For this retrospective study, patients with a work-up for ARVC were classified into ‘no’, ‘possible’, ‘borderline’ or ‘definite’ ARVC according to the revised Task Force Criteria (rTFC). Ventricular size and function as well as LV myocardial strain and torsion were measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Results: A total of 142 patients were enrolled, of whom 58 (41%) had no, 32 (23%) possible, 29 (20%) borderline and 23 (16%) definite ARVC. The groups were similar in age at CMR. With higher rTFC score, z scores (Z) of right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) were lower (p<0.001) while z-RV end diastolic volume (EDV) and z-LV EDV were larger (p=0.002 and 0.013, respectively). LV EF did not differ between rTFC categories. Global circumferential strain (GCS) of the LV was lower in patients in higher rTFC categories (p=0.018). Z-LVEDV correlated with z-RVEDV (r2 = 0.69, p<0.001) and z- LVEF correlated with z-RVEF (r2 = 0.55, p <0.001). Z-LVEF and z-RVEF correlated with LV GCS (r2 = 0.48, p<0.001 and r2 = 0.46, p<0.001, respectively) and torsion (r2 = 0.21, p=0.032 for both). Forty-two patients had a follow-up CMR, after a median interval of 2.6 years (0.4- 8.4). The rate of deterioration of LV or RV EF or EDV did not differ between rTFC categories. A more rapid increase of z-RVEDV was associated with a faster decline in z-RVEF (r2 = -0.383, p=0.004) and z-LVEF (r2 = -0.45, p=0.001). A decline of z-LVEF over time correlated with that of z-RVEF (r2 = 0.60, p<0.001) and z-LVEDV increase correlated with z-RVEDV increase (r2 = 0.84, p<0.001). Conclusion: LV myocardial dysfunction is present in young patients with suspected or confirmed ARVC. Quantification of myocardial mechanics with CMR may be a useful tool to detect early LV involvement in ARVC. Progressive LV dysfunction and enlargement appear to parallel those of the RV.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Patients With Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Casella ◽  
Alessio Gasperetti ◽  
Rita Sicuso ◽  
Edoardo Conte ◽  
Valentina Catto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Gadolinium Enhancement ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Gadolinium Enhancement ◽  
Voltage Mapping ◽  
Fatty Replacement

Background: Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC) is an under-characterized phenotype of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy involving the LV ab initio. ALVC was not included in the 2010 International Task Force Criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis and data regarding this phenotype are scarce. Methods: Clinical characteristics were reported from all consecutive patients diagnosed with ALVC, defined as a LV isolated late gadolinium enhancement and fibro-fatty replacement at cardiac magnetic resonance plus genetic variants associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and of an endomyocardial biopsy showing fibro-fatty replacement complying with the 2010 International Task Force Criteria in the LV. Results: Twenty-five patients ALVC (53 [48–59] years, 60% male) were enrolled. T wave inversion in infero-lateral and left precordial leads were the most common ECG abnormalities. Overall arrhythmic burden at study inclusion was 56%. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed LV late gadolinium enhancement in the LV lateral and posterior basal segments in all patients. In 72% of the patients an invasive evaluation was performed, in which electroanatomical voltage mapping and electroanatomical voltage mapping-guided endomyocardial biopsy showed low endocardial voltages and fibro-fatty replacement in areas of late gadolinium enhancement presence. Genetic variants in desmosomal genes (desmoplakin and desmoglein-2) were identified in 12/25 of the cohort presenting pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. A definite/borderline 2010 International Task Force Criteria arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis was reached only in 11/25 patients. Conclusions: ALVC presents with a preferential involvement of the lateral and postero-lateral basal LV and is associated mostly with variants in desmoplakin and desmoglein-2 genes. An amendment to the current International Task Force Criteria is reasonable to better diagnose patients with ALVC.

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