Arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy/dysplasia recent advances Recent Advances

This book covers all the recent research highlights of arrhythmogenic right ventr- ular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D), a recently discovered heart muscle d- ease which is a major threat to the life of affected young people. It summarizes ne- ly 25 years of investigation on the etiology, genetics, pathology, clinical features, - agnosis, and treatment of ARVC/D. In particular, a 5-year research program supported by grants from both the European Community and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes has contributed to the discovery of seven disease-causing genes, thus opening new avenues for the early identification of affected patients and prevention of sudden death. A Workshop was held in Venice, Italy, October 3, 2005, as part of the Venice - rhythmia Meeting, where the European and American investigators presented and discussed several major achievements which are now reported in this book.As a - sult of these coordinated efforts, great advances have been made in the recognition and understanding of the disease, which are summarized in this book.

Introduction: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia Clarified.- Advances in Genetics: Dominant Forms.- Advances in Genetics: Recessive Forms.- Genotype-Phenotype Correlations.- Autopsy and Endomyocardial Biopsy Findings.- Cell Adhesion Pathology.- Ultrastructural Substrates.- Transgenic Animal Models.- Spontaneous Animal Models.- Possible Causative or Contributing Role of Viruses.- Diagnosis: Task Force Criteria including Modifications for Family Members.- Strengths and Weaknesses of the Task Force Criteria — Proposed Modifications.- Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia.- Electrocardiographic Manifestations.- Echocardiography.- MR and CT Imaging.- Diagnostic Role of Angiography.- Electrophysiologic Study including Electroanatomic Mapping.- Risk Stratification and Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy.- Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia.- The Role of the Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator in the Management.- Management of Heart Failure.- Sudden Death in Young Athletes.