Risk Stratification in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, is a genetic disease characterised by progressive myocyte loss with replacement by fibrofatty tissue. This structural change leads to the prominent features of ARVC of ventricular arrhythmia and increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Emphasis should be placed on determining and stratifying the patient’s risk of ventricular arrhythmia and SCD. ICDs should be used to treat the former and prevent the latter, but ICDs are not benign interventions. ICDs come with their own complications in this overall young population of patients. This article reviews the literature regarding the factors that contribute to the assessment of risk stratification in ARVC patients.