[Right ventricular arrhythmias]

Abstract

Right ventricular arrhythmias predominantly occur in young patients with rare cardiac diseases. Underlying cardiac conditions include idiopathic right ventricular outflow-tract tachycardia (RVOT-VT), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), Brugada syndrome, and postoperative congenital heart disease (i.e. tetralogy of Fallot). According to the underlying cardiac disease, there are significant differences in the diagnostic and therapeutic management and prognosis which is mainly determined by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia recurrences and sudden cardiac death. To provide optimal treatment for affected patients, a detailed diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification is mandatory. Tailored treatment strategies aim at the suppression or effective termination of recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias and prevention of sudden death by antiarrhythmic drug therapy, catheter ablation, and the implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators. This review summarizes the current knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of those conditions that are associated with arrhythmias originating from the right ventricle.