[Should we treat asymptomatic premature ventricular contractions?]

Abstract

Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) are a common arrhythmia. Therapy is indicated in case of frequent symptomatic PVC or deterioration of left ventricular function. Asymptomatic patients should be evaluated critically for possible PVC-associated symptoms. Catheter ablation of PVCs in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is safe and effective. PVC-induced cardiomyopathy should be considered in unexplained LVEF dysfunction with a PVC burden of at least 10%. If ECG and echocardiography do not clearly rule out structural heart disease (SHD) or the clinical presentation raises suspicion of SHD, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be performed. If SHD has been excluded, the guidelines recommend catheter ablation as primary therapy in frequent monomorphic PVC, regardless of symptoms. To prevent PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, ablation can also be considered in asymptomatic patients with a PVC burden > 20%. Also, in patients with known SHD frequent PVC can aggravate LV dysfunction and catheter ablation should be considered.

Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; Catheter ablation; Idiopathic premature ventricular contractions; Structural heart disease; PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.