Determining the underlying aetiology in scar-related right ventricular tachycardia: the role of electroanatomical voltage mapping and electrocardiography

Abstract

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are histopathologically different, but may have a similar clinical presentation. This thesis describes the harmful consequences of a delayed diagnosis of CS, ultimately leading to a severe disease course and high mortality. Therefore, it provides two additional parameters to distinguish CS from ARVC in patients presenting with scar-related right ventricular tachycardia (VT). Both electroanatomical voltage mapping and electrocardiography are able to differentiate CS from ARVC with a high diagnostic accuracy. Early recognition of these parameters will hopefully raise suspicion for CS as early as possible, leading to adequate diagnostic testing and subsequently adequate immunosuppressive treatment.