Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Presenting as Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

INTRODUCTION

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an autosomal dominant genetic cardiomyopathy characterized by the replacement of right ventricular myocardium with fibrous and adipose tissue, leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old woman without any medical history presented with palpitations after exercise and was found to be in sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Imaging and presentation met the 2010 modified Task Force Criteria for a diagnosis of ARVC.

DISCUSSION: ARVC can be a devastating cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death in young adults. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment including exercise restriction, antiarrhythmics, goal-directed medical therapy, ablation, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement can lead to marked improvement in prognosis.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Clinicians should consider ARVC in young patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and use the 2010 modified Task Force Criteria to guide initial diagnosis before confirming with genetic testing.