Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia in pregnancy: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by progressive fibrous or fibrofatty tissue replacement of the right ventricular myocardium. Interspersed adipocytes and fibrous tissue may provide foci for arrhythmias. The clinical spectrum of ARVD may include asymptomatic premature ventricular complexes to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. There is currently little information about ARVD in pregnancy.


METHODS
A 29-year-old primigravida, diagnosed with ARVD 1 year prior to pregnancy, underwent a full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery while maintained on acebutolol and an implanted cardioverter defibrillator. Her infant was born without an apparent cardiac anomaly or heart rate abnormality.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful management of pregnancy complicated by ARVD can be accomplished with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator and an antiarrhythmic agent. Such patients should be managed with close monitoring during pregnancy for signs and symptoms of arrhythmia and preventive obstetric care appropriate to their clinical profile to optimize normal deliveries.
Lee
Louis C
LC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Bathgate
Susanne L
SL
Macri
Charles J
CJ
D000070:Acebutolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019571:Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000628:therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000070:Acebutolol