Unexplained Syncope With Abnormal ECG Findings in the Emergency Department: Don't Miss the Epsilon Wave!

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a genetic cardiac disorder associated with sudden cardiac death, specifically in young adults (D. Corrado, C. Basso, & D. Judge, 2017). AC is a disease of the heart muscle fibers and it is not usually diagnosed until its advanced stages. Typical AC presentation in the emergency department (ED) includes cardiac syncope, palpitations, ventricular arrhythmias, or resolved cardiac arrest. The epsilon wave is the hallmark and the major electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnostic criterion for AC in the later stages of the disease process (A. R. Perez-Riera et al., 2019). A definite diagnosis of AC is of high complexity and not typically made by emergency providers; however, many cases of advanced AC are discovered in the ED as a result of syncope. The purpose of this case review is to discuss the typical presentation, ECG findings, and emergency providers' role in the management of patients with suspected AC.