Cardiac arrest secondary to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in an adolescent male

Abstract

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare, genetically-inherited cardiomyopathy that may be fatal. We present the case of a 17 year old male who presented after a witnessed cardiac arrest with indeterminate echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings for a specific etiology. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the PKP2 and DSC2 genes, consistent with ARVC. This report outlines the presentation of ARVC as an aborted sudden cardiac death episode in a previously asymptomatic teenager, investigations for ARVC and highlights the importance of adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the overall prognosis. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement for secondary prevention is necessary.