Clinical manifestations of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in Korean patients.
BACKGROUND
The clinical manifestations of the Korean patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are not well known.


METHODS
The clinical data of Korean patients who met the Task Force Criteria for ARVC were analyzed.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients (41.2+/-14.8 years old, 19 males) were diagnosed with ARVC. The commonest presenting symptoms were palpitations (30%), syncope/presyncope (30%) and no symptoms (30%). Four patients had a family history of premature sudden death or ARVC. Most patients with no symptoms were evaluated due to ECG abnormalities or asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. Ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and frequent premature ventricular contractions only were observed in 35%, 5% and 24%, respectively. Wall motion abnormalities of the right and left ventricles were detected in 92% and 41%, respectively. Fatty or fibrofatty infiltration was observed in 26 of the 32 (81%) patients who underwent an endomyocardial biopsy. Two patients had signs of heart failure. Two patients with syncope/presyncope were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope and another was due to side effects from a medication. Most of the patients with ventricular arrhythmias were treated with beta-blockers and/or amiodarone. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) were implanted in 3 patients. During a mean follow-up of 27.4+/-26.5 months no syncope or sudden death developed except for in one patient with an ICD who suffered from recurrent shocks due to ventricular fibrillation.


CONCLUSIONS
ARVC may be an important cause of syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, and ECG and wall motion abnormalities of the ventricles in Koreans. The Korean patients with ARVC exhibited various clinical manifestations.
Cho
Yongkeun
Y
Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Republic of Korea.
Park
Taein
T
Shin
Donggu
D
Lee
Jang Hoon
JH
Ryu
Hyeon Min
HM
Jang
Gui-Lyen
GL
Lee
Dong-Yeub
DY
Park
Yongwhi
Y
Lee
Hyunsang
H
Kim
Hyungseop
H
Shin
Seung Chul
SC
Heo
Jung-Ho
JH
Kang
Hyunjae
H
Lee
Bong-Ryull
BR
Nah
Deuk-Young
DY
Yang
Dong Heon
DH
Park
Hun Sik
HS
Chae
Shung-Chull
SC
Jun
Jae-Eun
JE
Park
Wee-Hyun
WH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019571:Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D044466:Asian People; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged