Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Right ventricular dysplasia (RVD) is a disease entity of unknown cause that is characterised by partial or total replacement of RV muscle by adipose o r fibrous tissue. It is a well recognized cause of arrhythmia and premature sudden death, but usually underdiagnosed. Several noninvasive and invasive diagnostic modalities have been used, however, all may not be positive in a given case. Drug therapy with class Ic, beta blocker, and amiodarone in V ariable combination produce Varying success rates in preventing recurrent v entricular tachycardia, Failure of the above measures calls for insertion o f implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The attention of emergency physic ians is drown to this disease as they are the first medical personnel to be presented with this disease as an emergency. Hence their recognition of RV D will ensure early and proper management. (Am J Emerg Med 2001;19:67-70 Co pyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company).