Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) in young adolescents

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is a frequent cause of sudden ca rdiac death in young individuals,This disease is characterized by fibrous a nd adipose replacement of the right ventricular myocardium and recurrent ve ntricular tachycardias of left bundle branch pattern. The etiopathogenesis of this disease still remains obscure. Recently different gene defects were localized. After making the diagnosis there are different therapeutic opti ons: medical therapy with sotalol or amiodarone may be effective in prevent ing recurrent ventricular tachycardia. Invasive therapy using radiofrequenc y ablation is also possible. A termination of the tachycardias with an impl antable cardioverter-defibrillator seems to be an efficient treatment. Typi cal findings and therapeutic considerations are shown in a case report. Discussion: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia has to be considered in patients with syncope or ventricular tachycardia as the cause of these symptom. In case of suspicion (history,electrocardiographic findings) the f urther work-up has to be done at a cardiac center. Due to the high risk of sudden cardiac death an appropriate therapy is necessary. The implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator prevents dangerous tachycardias safely, des pite the lack of controlled trials.