Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is predisposing factor for port-related sudden cardiac death (SD). This cardiopathy has been described in an increasing number of young athletes who experienced SD and cardiac arrest (CA), or in those with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT). The aim of this study is to try and evaluate, and consequently propose a rational management of athletes with documented ARVD, particularly in CA survivors. From 1974 to January 1996, 1642 competitive athletes, 136 of whom elite athletes all competing at an international level, were studied for documented arrhythmias for important manifestations. All athletes underwent and individualised study protocolo including a series of non invasive and invasive diagnostic techniques. The same percentage (about 6%) of ARVD is present in both the general arrhythmic athletes population and in the subgroup of international elite athletes. Prevalence of ARVD among athletes with CA or SD is high (respectively 23% and 25%), confirming the observation that ARVD is one of the major causes of SD in Italian athletes. All CA were athletic activity related, confirming the potentiality of exercise as a cause of electrical destabilisation in subjects with ARVD. Prodromal symptoms were present in 60% of these atheltes. In athletes with documented ARVD intense sport activity has to be proscribed. In athletes at risk of CA or SD an aggressive treatment, ICD implantation and RF catheter ventricular ablation must be taken into consideration
Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Death in Competitive Athletes with Arrhythmogenic Ventricular Dysplasia
Furlanello, Cesare;
1998-01-01
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is predisposing factor for port-related sudden cardiac death (SD). This cardiopathy has been described in an increasing number of young athletes who experienced SD and cardiac arrest (CA), or in those with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT). The aim of this study is to try and evaluate, and consequently propose a rational management of athletes with documented ARVD, particularly in CA survivors. From 1974 to January 1996, 1642 competitive athletes, 136 of whom elite athletes all competing at an international level, were studied for documented arrhythmias for important manifestations. All athletes underwent and individualised study protocolo including a series of non invasive and invasive diagnostic techniques. The same percentage (about 6%) of ARVD is present in both the general arrhythmic athletes population and in the subgroup of international elite athletes. Prevalence of ARVD among athletes with CA or SD is high (respectively 23% and 25%), confirming the observation that ARVD is one of the major causes of SD in Italian athletes. All CA were athletic activity related, confirming the potentiality of exercise as a cause of electrical destabilisation in subjects with ARVD. Prodromal symptoms were present in 60% of these atheltes. In athletes with documented ARVD intense sport activity has to be proscribed. In athletes at risk of CA or SD an aggressive treatment, ICD implantation and RF catheter ventricular ablation must be taken into considerationI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
