Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia in Iraq

Amar Al-Hamdi; Tahseen Ali Al-Kinani; Adnan Taan Al-Khafaji; Mouayed Basheer Hamed; Mohammed Hashim Al-Mayahi; Nazar Hassan Al-Sudani

Vol 17, No 2 (2010)

Original articles

Submitted: 2013-01-14

Published online: 2010-03-29

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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia in Iraq

Amar Al-Hamdi, Tahseen Ali Al-Kinani, Adnan Taan Al-Khafaji, Mouayed Basheer Hamed, Mohammed Hashim Al-Mayahi, Nazar Hassan Al-Sudani

Cardiol J 2010;17(2):172-178.

Vol 17, No 2 (2010)

Original articles

Submitted: 2013-01-14

Published online: 2010-03-29

Abstract

Background: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a disorder that involves replacement of the right ventricular myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue. Ventricular tachycardia is a main presenting feature. There are no known reports of this disease from the Arab countries in the Middle East. This is the first report of 34 patients from Iraq.
Methods: Thirty four patients with ARVC/D diagnosed from January 2003 to May 2007 according to the International Task Force criteria were included in this study.
Results: All patients presented with ventricular tachycardia of left bundle branch block morphology. The following findings were seen on the 12-lead electrocardiography during sinus rhythm: T wave inversion V1-V3 or beyond in 80%, epsilon wave in 28%, and parietal block in 48%. Right ventricular enlargement by echocardiography was seen in 69%. Twenty two per cent had a family history of sudden cardiac death. All patients were treated with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators.
Conclusions: ARVC/D is a disease seen in Iraq. It requires a high diagnostic suspicion with verification using the international task force criteria.
(Cardiol J 2010; 17, 2: 172-178)