Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Synonyms and keywords: CPVT, catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, bidirectional ventricular tachycardia induced by catecholamines, bidirectional VT, catecholamine-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, catecholamine induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, familial polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, FPVT, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, polymorphic VT induced by catecholamines.
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT is a rare inherited arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by syncopal attacks, ventricular arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death, mostly in young patients. It is caused by mutations in calcium handling proteins such as RyR2 and CASQ2 within the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which results in ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of a high adrenergic tone such as during physical exercise or strong emotions. Since it is caused by mutations in genes encoding for channel-proteins that regulate cardiac electrical activity, CPVT is referred to as a channelopathy. There are no associated structural abnormalities of the heart in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Historical Perspective
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) was first described by Reid et al in 1975. It was described as a familial cardiac arrhythmia that occurs in patients with structurally normal heart and causes exercise or emotion triggered syncope and sudden death with a distinguishing pattern of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. In 2001, cardiac ryanodine receptor gene (RyR2) mutations were first implicated in the pathogenesis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Subsequent experimental studies demonstrated that the abnormal calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum caused arrhythmias mediated by delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered activity.
Classification
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia can be classified based upon the underlying pathogenic mutation.
Pathophysiology
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is caused by mutations in genes encoding channel proteins that regulate the cardiac electrical function, resulting in inappropriate calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during electrical diastole and thus leading to triggered arrhythmias, in the absence of structural cardiac abnormalities. CPVT is thus an inherited disorder and may have both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Genes associated with CPVT include RYR2, CASQ2, CALM1 and TRDN.
Causes
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a genetic disorder. It is caused by mutations in the genes such as RYR2, CASQ2, CALM1 and TRDN.
Differentiating Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia from other Diseases
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia must be differentiated from Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, Short-coupled ventricular tachycardia (SC-torsade de pointes [TdP]), Long QT syndrome and Andersen-Tawil syndrome.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a rare disorder with the prevalence estimated to be 1 per 10,000 individuals. CPVT is more common among young individuals.
Risk factors
Possible risk factors in the development of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) include young age, exercise, stress, family history of syncope or sudden death, and family history of CPVT.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. But screening among relatives is indicated when a likely pathogenetic mutation is identified in clinically affected index cases. Screening methods for CPVT are exercise stress testing and genetic testing.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
If left untreated, approximately 30% of patients experience at least one cardiac arrest and up to 80% one or more syncopal spells. Common complications of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia include ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death. Prognosis is generally poor, and the 10-year mortality of patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is approximately 40%.
Diagnosis
History and symptoms
Syncope triggered by exercise or emotion is the initial manifestation in the majority of the cases of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Sudden cardiac death during exercise or emotion may also be the initial manifestation in a relevant proportion of cases. Most of the patients have a positive family history of CPVT or sudden cardiac death.
Physical examination
Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia usually appear normal. Physical examination should include thorough cardiovascular examination, lung examination, and close monitoring of vital signs.
Laboratory findings
There are no diagnostic laboratory findings associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Electrocardiogram
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients usually have a normal resting ECG. However, in a subset of patients, sinus bradycardia, prominent U-waves, and supraventricular arrhythmias are seen.
Exercise Stress Testing
Exercise Stress Testing is the primary diagnostic test and the most helpful clinical tool in diagnosing CPVT as it can reproducibly evoke the typical ventricular tachycardia during acute adrenergic activation (exercise). During exercise stress testing, sinus rhythm accelerates and beyond a heart rate of 120-130 beats per minute, isolated and often monomorphic ventricular premature beats (VPBs) typically occur first and then increase with heart rate to bigeminy. Subsequently, the VPBs become polymorphic or bidircetional, and as the exercise increase, they form bursts of non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (VT). With continuous activity, the arrhythmia persists and becomes more rapid, eventually assuming the appearance of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), which is very fast, fibrillation-like and leads to syncope. The arrhythmias disappear on stopping the exercise. Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the hallmark finding of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing helps in the confirmation of the diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It allows the identification of mutations in up to 65% of patients with a clinical diagnosis of CPVT. There are HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Recommendations for Genetic testing in Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
X-ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Echocardiography/Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
CT scan
There are no CT scan findings associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
MRI
There are no MRI findings associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Other diagnostic studies for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia include epinephrine infusion and holter monitoring. In patients who cannot perform an exercise stress test, epinephrine infusion and Holter monitoring help to establish the diagnosis of CPVT.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Pharmacologic medical therapies for CPVT include beta blockers, flecainide and verapamil. Beta blockers remain the first-line therapeutic option for all the patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator should be used with pharmacologic therapy. It is recommended in patients who are at high risk of cardiac arrest, patients who have survived a sudden cardiac arrest and patients who have experienced syncope or sustained VT despite optimal medical therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Sympathectomy or left cardiac sympathetic denervation is usually reserved for patients who experience recurrent symptoms and/or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks despite optimal medical therapy or in those who are intolerant or have contraindications to beta blockers
Prevention
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. However, episodes of syncope and sudden cardiac arrest can be prevented with lifestyle modifications, holter monitoring and compliance with medical therapy.
Historical Perspective
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) was first described by Reid et al in 1975. It was described as a familial cardiac arrhythmia that occurs in patients with structurally normal heart and causes exercise or emotion triggered syncope and sudden death with a distinguishing pattern of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. In 2001, cardiac Ryanodine Receptor gene (RyR2) mutations were first implicated in the pathogenesis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Subsequent experimental studies demonstrated that the abnormal calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum caused arrhythmias mediated by delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered activity.
Historical Perspective
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) was first described by Reid et al in 1975, followed by Coumel et al in 1978.[1]
- CPVT was described as a familial cardiac arrhythmia that occurs in patients with structurally normal heart and causes exercise or emotion triggered syncope and sudden death with a distinguishing pattern of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.
- In 2001, Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Gene (RyR2) mutations were first implicated in the pathogenesis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).[2]
- In 1995 and 2002, the clinical studies by Leenhardt et al and Priori et al, respectively, have contributed to the understanding of the natural history of CPVT.[3][4]
- In 2004, studies showed that RyR2 mutations reduced the threshold for Store-Overload-Induced Ca2+ Release (SOICR) and increased the tendency for triggered arrhythmia. Thus it appeared evident that catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was caused by uncontrolled Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.[5]
- In 2006, subsequent experimental studies demonstrated that the abnormal calcium release caused arrhythmias mediated by delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered activity.[6]
References
- ↑ Reid, D S; Tynan, M; Braidwood, L; Fitzgerald, G R (1975). “Bidirectional tachycardia in a child. A study using His bundle electrography”. Heart. 37 (3): 339–344. doi:10.1136/hrt.37.3.339. ISSN 1355-6037.
- ↑ Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Tiso, Natascia; Memmi, Mirella; Vignati, Gabriele; Bloise, Raffaella; Sorrentino, Vincenzo; Danieli, Gian Antonio (2001). “Mutations in the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Gene (
hRyR2
) Underlie Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 103 (2): 196–200. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.103.2.196. ISSN 0009-7322. line feed character in
|title=at position 51 (help) - ↑ Leenhardt, Antoine; Lucet, Vincent; Denjoy, Isabelle; Grau, Francis; Ngoc, Dien Do; Coumel, Philippe (1995). “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Children”. Circulation. 91 (5): 1512–1519. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.91.5.1512. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Memmi, Mirella; Colombi, Barbara; Drago, Fabrizio; Gasparini, Maurizio; DeSimone, Luciano; Coltorti, Fernando; Bloise, Raffaella; Keegan, Roberto; Cruz Filho, Fernando E.S.; Vignati, Gabriele; Benatar, Abraham; DeLogu, Angelica (2002). “Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Patients With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 106 (1): 69–74. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000020013.73106.D8. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ Jiang, D.; Xiao, B.; Yang, D.; Wang, R.; Choi, P.; Zhang, L.; Cheng, H.; Chen, S. R. W. (2004). “RyR2 mutations linked to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death reduce the threshold for store-overload-induced Ca2+ release (SOICR)”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 101 (35): 13062–13067. doi:10.1073/pnas.0402388101. ISSN 0027-8424.
- ↑ Liu, Nian; Colombi, Barbara; Memmi, Mirella; Zissimopoulos, Spyros; Rizzi, Nicoletta; Negri, Sara; Imbriani, Marcello; Napolitano, Carlo; Lai, F. Anthony; Priori, Silvia G. (2006). “Arrhythmogenesis in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation Research. 99 (3): 292–298. doi:10.1161/01.RES.0000235869.50747.e1. ISSN 0009-7330.
Classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia can be classified based upon the underlying pathogenic mutation.
Classification
CPVT may be classified based upon the underlying pathogenic mutation into the following subtypes:[1]
| Type | OMIM | Gene | Protein | Mode of inheritance | Locus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPVT1 | 604772 | RyR2 | Ryanodine receptor 2 | Autosomal dominant | 1q42.1-q43 |
| CPVT2 | 611938 | CASQ2 | Calsequestrin 2 | Autosomal recessive | 1p13.3-p11 |
| CPVT3 | 614021 | Unknown | – | Autosomal recessive | 7p14–p22 |
| CPVT4 | 614916 | CALM1 | Calmodulin 1 | Autosomal dominant | 14q32.11 |
| CPVT5 | 615441 | TRDN | Triadin | Autosomal recessive | 6q22.31 |
References
- ↑ Sumitomo, Naokata (2016). “Current topics in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia”. Journal of Arrhythmia. 32 (5): 344–351. doi:10.1016/j.joa.2015.09.008. ISSN 1880-4276.
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is caused by mutations in genes encoding channel proteins that regulate the cardiac electrical function, resulting in inappropriate calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during electrical diastole and thus leading to triggered arrhythmias, in the absence of structural cardiac abnormalities. CPVT is thus an inherited disorder and may have both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Genes associated with CPVT include RYR2, CASQ2, CALM1 and TRDN.
Pathophysiology
- CPVT is primarily due to the mutations in voltage-gated ion channel that regulate cardiac electrical function; which intermittently causes the heart to develop polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in response to the natural release of catecholamines.
- The genes encoding cardiac ryanodine-calcium release channel RyR2 or, infrequently, cardiac calsequestrin CASQ2 are involved in the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Mutations in the genes encoding cardiac ryanodine-calcium release channel RyR2 or cardiac calsequestrin CASQ2 or other related genes, therein result in inappropriate calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during electrical diastole, with a subsequent increase in the cytosolic calcium concentration.[1][2][3]
- The cytosolic calcium overload activates the sodium-calcium exchanger, leading to a transient inward current, and delayed after-depolarizations that in turn can lead to triggered arrhythmias, particularly under conditions of high β-adrenergic tone.[4][5]
- Thus, in the absence of structural abnormalities in the heart, the equilibrium of ionic currents that generate the cardiac action potential and control the excitation-contraction coupling in the cardiomyocytes is altered in CPVT, resulting in the onset of life-threatening arrhythmias.
Genetics
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic VT may have both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The following genes are associated with CPVT:
- RYR2:
- Mutations in cardiac ryanodine receptor gene RyR2 accounts for CPVT 1, and majority of the cases (approximately 50-65%).[6][7]
- Genetic linkage studies revealed the disease-causing locus with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern on chromosome 1q42–q43.[8]
- RyR2 is involved in intracellular calcium homeostasis and in the excitation-contraction coupling of the heart.
- Mutations in RYR2 cause uncontrolled calcium leakage from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during electrical diastole, with a subsequent increase in the cytosolic calcium concentration.[1][6]
- CASQ2:
- Mutations in cardiac calsequestrin gene CASQ2 accounts for CPVT 2, for approximately 2–5% of the CPVT cases.[9]
- The chromosome involved is located on 1p13.3-p11 with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
- CASQ2 is a Ca2+ buffering protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum that plays a role in the control of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol.
- RYR2:
- Other genes that have been associated with CPVT are:
- Unknown:
- CPVT 3 has been linked to chromosome 7p14–p22 with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.[10]
- This novel phenotype is highly malignant form of CPVT, characterized by exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia and a minor exercise-induced QT-prolongation.
- CALM1
- Mutations in Calmodulin 1 gene CALM1 accounts for CPVT 4, for approximately <1% of the CPVT cases.
- Mutation in the CALM1 gene was first identified in a Swedish family with a history of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias, syncope, and sudden death.[11]
- The chromosome involved is located on 14q32 with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
- Calmodulin is a calcium-binding protein that stabilizes RYR2 and controls its opening during diastole.[11]
- TRDN:
- Mutations in Triadin gene TRDN accounts for CPVT 5, for approximately 1-2% of the CPVT cases.[12]
- Mutations in the gene encoding Triadin (TRDN) were identified in the probands of 2 families in whom mutations for RYR2 and CASQ2 were not identified.[12]
- The chromosome involved is located on 6q22 with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
- Triadin is a protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum, physically and functionally related to the ryanodine receptor that plays a role in the control of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol.
- TRDN mutations impair FKBP12.6–RYR2 interaction, thus destabilizing the RyR2 channel opening,[13] or by a reduction of CASQ2 protein levels.[12], thus affecting calcium release and resulting in a calcium leak during diastole similar to that observed for RyR2 mutants.
- Unknown:
- More recently, two other genes have been reported to cause CPVT-like phenotype (phenocopy):[14][15]
- KCNJ2– encoding for Inward-rectifier potassium ion channel – autosomal dominant – 17q24.3
- ANKB– encoding for ankyrin B, a cytoskeletal protein – autosomal dominant – 4q25
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Jiang, D.; Xiao, B.; Yang, D.; Wang, R.; Choi, P.; Zhang, L.; Cheng, H.; Chen, S. R. W. (2004). “RyR2 mutations linked to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death reduce the threshold for store-overload-induced Ca2+ release (SOICR)”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 101 (35): 13062–13067. doi:10.1073/pnas.0402388101. ISSN 0027-8424.
- ↑ di Barletta, Marina Raffaele; Viatchenko-Karpinski, Serge; Nori, Alessandra; Memmi, Mirella; Terentyev, Dmitry; Turcato, Federica; Valle, Giorgia; Rizzi, Nicoletta; Napolitano, Carlo; Gyorke, Sandor; Volpe, Pompeo; Priori, Silvia G. (2006). “Clinical Phenotype and Functional Characterization of
CASQ2
Mutations Associated With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 114 (10): 1012–1019. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.623793. ISSN 0009-7322. line feed character in
|title=at position 54 (help) - ↑ Lehnart, Stephan E.; Wehrens, Xander H.T.; Laitinen, Päivi J.; Reiken, Steven R.; Deng, Shi-Xiang; Cheng, Zhenzhuang; Landry, Donald W.; Kontula, Kimmo; Swan, Heikki; Marks, Andrew R. (2004). “Sudden Death in Familial Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Associated With Calcium Release Channel (Ryanodine Receptor) Leak”. Circulation. 109 (25): 3208–3214. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000132472.98675.EC. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ Cerrone, Marina; Noujaim, Sami F.; Tolkacheva, Elena G.; Talkachou, Arkadzi; O’Connell, Ryan; Berenfeld, Omer; Anumonwo, Justus; Pandit, Sandeep V.; Vikstrom, Karen; Napolitano, Carlo; Priori, Silvia G.; Jalife, José (2007). “Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation Research. 101 (10): 1039–1048. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.107.148064. ISSN 0009-7330.
- ↑ Knollmann, B. C. (2006). “Casq2 deletion causes sarcoplasmic reticulum volume increase, premature Ca2+ release, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia”. Journal of Clinical Investigation. doi:10.1172/JCI29128. ISSN 0021-9738.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Tiso, Natascia; Memmi, Mirella; Vignati, Gabriele; Bloise, Raffaella; Sorrentino, Vincenzo; Danieli, Gian Antonio (2001). “Mutations in the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Gene (
hRyR2
) Underlie Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 103 (2): 196–200. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.103.2.196. ISSN 0009-7322. line feed character in
|title=at position 51 (help) - ↑ Ackerman, M. J.; Priori, S. G.; Willems, S.; Berul, C.; Brugada, R.; Calkins, H.; Camm, A. J.; Ellinor, P. T.; Gollob, M.; Hamilton, R.; Hershberger, R. E.; Judge, D. P.; Le Marec, H.; McKenna, W. J.; Schulze-Bahr, E.; Semsarian, C.; Towbin, J. A.; Watkins, H.; Wilde, A.; Wolpert, C.; Zipes, D. P. (2011). “HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies: This document was developed as a partnership between the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)”. Europace. 13 (8): 1077–1109. doi:10.1093/europace/eur245. ISSN 1099-5129.
- ↑ Swan, Heikki; Piippo, Kirsi; Viitasalo, Matti; Heikkilä, Päivi; Paavonen, Timo; Kainulainen, Katariina; Kere, Juha; Keto, Pekka; Kontula, Kimmo; Toivonen, Lauri (1999). “Arrhythmic disorder mapped to chromosome 1q42–q43 causes malignant polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in structurally normal hearts”. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 34 (7): 2035–2042. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(99)00461-1. ISSN 0735-1097.
- ↑ Lahat, Hadas; Pras, Elon; Olender, Tsviya; Avidan, Nili; Ben-Asher, Edna; Man, Orna; Levy-Nissenbaum, Etgar; Khoury, Asad; Lorber, Avraham; Goldman, Boleslaw; Lancet, Doron; Eldar, Michael (2001). “A Missense Mutation in a Highly Conserved Region of CASQ2 Is Associated with Autosomal Recessive Catecholamine-Induced Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Bedouin Families from Israel”. The American Journal of Human Genetics. 69 (6): 1378–1384. doi:10.1086/324565. ISSN 0002-9297.
- ↑ Bhuiyan, Zahurul A.; Hamdan, Mohamed A.; Shamsi, Eman T.A.; Postma, Alex V.; Mannens, Marcel M.A.M.; Wilde, Arthur A. M.; Al-Gazali, Lihadh (2007). “A Novel Early Onset Lethal Form of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Maps to Chromosome 7p14-p22”. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 18 (10): 1060–1066. doi:10.1111/j.1540-8167.2007.00913.x. ISSN 1045-3873.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Nyegaard, Mette; Overgaard, Michael T.; Søndergaard, Mads T.; Vranas, Marta; Behr, Elijah R.; Hildebrandt, Lasse L.; Lund, Jacob; Hedley, Paula L.; Camm, A. John; Wettrell, Göran; Fosdal, Inger; Christiansen, Michael; Børglum, Anders D. (2012). “Mutations in Calmodulin Cause Ventricular Tachycardia and Sudden Cardiac Death”. The American Journal of Human Genetics. 91 (4): 703–712. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.08.015. ISSN 0002-9297.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Roux-Buisson, Nathalie; Cacheux, Marine; Fourest-Lieuvin, Anne; Fauconnier, Jeremy; Brocard, Julie; Denjoy, Isabelle; Durand, Philippe; Guicheney, Pascale; Kyndt, Florence; Leenhardt, Antoine; Le Marec, Hervé; Lucet, Vincent; Mabo, Philippe; Probst, Vincent; Monnier, Nicole; Ray, Pierre F.; Santoni, Elodie; Trémeaux, Pauline; Lacampagne, Alain; Fauré, Julien; Lunardi, Joël; Marty, Isabelle (2012). “Absence of triadin, a protein of the calcium release complex, is responsible for cardiac arrhythmia with sudden death in human”. Human Molecular Genetics. 21 (12): 2759–2767. doi:10.1093/hmg/dds104. ISSN 0964-6906.
- ↑ “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia – GeneReviews® – NCBI Bookshelf”.
- ↑ Tristani-Firouzi, Martin; Jensen, Judy L.; Donaldson, Matthew R.; Sansone, Valeria; Meola, Giovanni; Hahn, Angelika; Bendahhou, Said; Kwiecinski, Hubert; Fidzianska, Anna; Plaster, Nikki; Fu, Ying-Hui; Ptacek, Louis J.; Tawil, Rabi (2002). “Functional and clinical characterization of KCNJ2 mutations associated with LQT7 (Andersen syndrome)”. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 110 (3): 381–388. doi:10.1172/JCI15183. ISSN 0021-9738.
- ↑ Mohler, Peter J.; Splawski, Igor; Napolitano, Carlo; Bottelli, Georgia; Sharpe, Leah; Timothy, Katherine; Priori, Silvia G.; Keating, Mark T.; Bennett, Vann (2004). “A cardiac arrhythmia syndrome caused by loss of ankyrin-B function”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 101 (24): 9137–9142. doi:10.1073/pnas.0402546101. ISSN 0027-8424.
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a genetic disorder. It is caused by mutations in the genes such as RYR2, CASQ2, CALM1 and TRDN.
Causes
Genetic Causes
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is caused by mutation in the following genes:[1][2]
- RYR2 encoding Ryanodine receptor 2
- CASQ2 encoding Calsequestrin 2
- CALM1 encoding Calmodulin 1
- TRDN encoding Triadin
To review risk factors for the development of CPVT, click here
References
- ↑ Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Tiso, Natascia; Memmi, Mirella; Vignati, Gabriele; Bloise, Raffaella; Sorrentino, Vincenzo; Danieli, Gian Antonio (2001). “Mutations in the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Gene (
hRyR2
) Underlie Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 103 (2): 196–200. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.103.2.196. ISSN 0009-7322. line feed character in
|title=at position 51 (help) - ↑ Ackerman, M. J.; Priori, S. G.; Willems, S.; Berul, C.; Brugada, R.; Calkins, H.; Camm, A. J.; Ellinor, P. T.; Gollob, M.; Hamilton, R.; Hershberger, R. E.; Judge, D. P.; Le Marec, H.; McKenna, W. J.; Schulze-Bahr, E.; Semsarian, C.; Towbin, J. A.; Watkins, H.; Wilde, A.; Wolpert, C.; Zipes, D. P. (2011). “HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies: This document was developed as a partnership between the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)”. Europace. 13 (8): 1077–1109. doi:10.1093/europace/eur245. ISSN 1099-5129.
Differentiating Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia must be differentiated from Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, Short-coupled ventricular tachycardia (SC-torsade de pointes [TdP]), Long QT syndrome and Andersen-Tawil syndrome.
Differentiating Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia from other Diseases
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia must be differentiated from other diseases that cause syncope, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden cardiac death, such as:Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
- Short-coupled ventricular tachycardia (SC-torsade de pointes [TdP])
- Long QT syndrome
- Andersen-Tawil syndrome
- Brugada syndrome
Differentiating Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia from other diseases on the basis of syncope, sudden cardiac death, and ventricular tachycardia
On the basis syncope, sudden cardiac death, and ventricular tachycardia, Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia must be differentiated from Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, Short-coupled ventricular tachycardia (SC-torsade de pointes TdP), Long QT syndrome, Andersen-Tawil syndrome and Brugada syndrome.
| Diseases | Cause | Clinical manifestations | ECG | Structural abnormalities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECG during rest | ECG during exercise or stress | ||||
| Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia | Mutations in RYR2 and CASQ2 genes | Symptoms are exercise or emotion related |
|
– | |
| Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia | Usually caused by mutations in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins. |
Symptoms are usually exercise-related
Symptoms and signs related to right ventricular failure may also be seen. |
|
Left bundle branch block pattern during tachycardia | It primarily affects the right ventricle (RV). Changes seen are:
|
| Short QT syndrome |
|
Symptoms are not exercise-related or triggered
Physical examination is normal. |
|
– | – |
| Long QT syndrome | Mutations in genes encoding for sodium and potassium ion channels in the heart. |
Symptoms are triggered by exercise, stress, certain drugs, etc |
|
– | |
| Andersen-Tawil syndrome | Mutation in KCNJ2 gene. | Symptoms are not related to adrenergic activation
Other significant findings include:
|
|
– | – |
| Brugada syndrome | Mutation in SCN5A gene. | Symptoms occur predominantly during sleep or at rest
Other findings: |
– | – | |
| Short-coupled ventricular tachycardia
(SC-torsade de pointes TdP) |
Unknown | Symptoms are not related to adrenergic stimuli, |
|
– | – |
References
Epidemiology and Demographics
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a rare disorder with the prevalence estimated to be 1 per 10,000 individuals. CPVT is more common among young individuals.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Prevalence
- The prevalence of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is estimated to be 1 per 10,000 individuals. Although the true prevalence is unknown.[1]
Age
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia onset is more commonly observed during childhood and adolescence with the mean age of onset of symptoms between age 7 and 12 years.[2][3][4]
- CPVT has also been reported in adults with onset as late as the fourth decade.[5]
Gender
- CPVT affects males and females equally;[6] although males are more likely to present at an earlier age (in childhood or adolescence), while females are more likely to present at an older age (20 years, mean).[2]
Race
- There is no racial predilection for CPVT.
References
- ↑ “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia – GeneReviews® – NCBI Bookshelf”.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Memmi, Mirella; Colombi, Barbara; Drago, Fabrizio; Gasparini, Maurizio; DeSimone, Luciano; Coltorti, Fernando; Bloise, Raffaella; Keegan, Roberto; Cruz Filho, Fernando E.S.; Vignati, Gabriele; Benatar, Abraham; DeLogu, Angelica (2002). “Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Patients With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 106 (1): 69–74. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000020013.73106.D8. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia – GeneReviews® – NCBI Bookshelf”.
- ↑ Ackerman, M. J.; Priori, S. G.; Willems, S.; Berul, C.; Brugada, R.; Calkins, H.; Camm, A. J.; Ellinor, P. T.; Gollob, M.; Hamilton, R.; Hershberger, R. E.; Judge, D. P.; Le Marec, H.; McKenna, W. J.; Schulze-Bahr, E.; Semsarian, C.; Towbin, J. A.; Watkins, H.; Wilde, A.; Wolpert, C.; Zipes, D. P. (2011). “HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies: This document was developed as a partnership between the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)”. Europace. 13 (8): 1077–1109. doi:10.1093/europace/eur245. ISSN 1099-5129.
- ↑ Sumitomo, N (2003). “Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: electrocardiographic characteristics and optimal therapeutic strategies to prevent sudden death”. Heart. 89 (1): 66–70. doi:10.1136/heart.89.1.66. ISSN 0007-0769.
- ↑ Hayashi, Meiso; Denjoy, Isabelle; Extramiana, Fabrice; Maltret, Alice; Buisson, Nathalie Roux; Lupoglazoff, Jean-Marc; Klug, Didier; Hayashi, Miyuki; Takatsuki, Seiji; Villain, Elisabeth; Kamblock, Joël; Messali, Anne; Guicheney, Pascale; Lunardi, Joël; Leenhardt, Antoine (2009). “Incidence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmic Events in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 119 (18): 2426–2434. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.829267. ISSN 0009-7322.
Risk Factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Possible risk factors in the development of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) include young age, exercise, stress, family history of syncope, or sudden death, and family history of CPVT.
Risk Factors
The possible risk factors in the development of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) include:[1][2]
- Physical activity such as exercise,
- Stress,
- Young age,
- Family history of syncope or sudden death, and
- Family history of CPVT.
References
- ↑ Hayashi, Meiso; Denjoy, Isabelle; Extramiana, Fabrice; Maltret, Alice; Buisson, Nathalie Roux; Lupoglazoff, Jean-Marc; Klug, Didier; Hayashi, Miyuki; Takatsuki, Seiji; Villain, Elisabeth; Kamblock, Joël; Messali, Anne; Guicheney, Pascale; Lunardi, Joël; Leenhardt, Antoine (2009). “Incidence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmic Events in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 119 (18): 2426–2434. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.829267. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ Leenhardt, Antoine; Denjoy, Isabelle; Guicheney, Pascale (2012). “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. 5 (5): 1044–1052. doi:10.1161/CIRCEP.111.962027. ISSN 1941-3149.
Screening
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. But screening among relatives is indicated when a likely pathogenetic mutation is identified in clinically affected index cases. Screening methods for CPVT are exercise stress testing and genetic testing.
Screening
- Screening of all the first-degree relatives is indicated when a likely pathogenetic mutation is identified in clinically affected index cases.
- Clinical and genetic evaluation, including exercise stress testing is recommended for both first- and second-degree relatives.
- Exercise stress testing has a specificity of 97% and a sensitivity of 50% for predicting the presence of the familial CPVT-associated mutation in asymptomatic relatives of CPVT patients.[1][2][3]
- Genetic testing for RyR2 and CASQ2 mutations should also be considered in first-degree relatives, even with a negative clinical phenotype.
- Screening by repeat exercise testing is also recommended in first-degree relatives of mutation-negative patients with CPVT, depending on the age of the relative.[4]
References
- ↑ Hayashi, Meiso; Denjoy, Isabelle; Extramiana, Fabrice; Maltret, Alice; Buisson, Nathalie Roux; Lupoglazoff, Jean-Marc; Klug, Didier; Hayashi, Miyuki; Takatsuki, Seiji; Villain, Elisabeth; Kamblock, Joël; Messali, Anne; Guicheney, Pascale; Lunardi, Joël; Leenhardt, Antoine (2009). “Incidence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmic Events in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 119 (18): 2426–2434. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.829267. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ van der Werf, Christian; Nederend, Ineke; Hofman, Nynke; van Geloven, Nan; Ebink, Corné; Frohn-Mulder, Ingrid M.E.; Alings, A. Marco W.; Bosker, Hans A.; Bracke, Frank A.; van den Heuvel, Freek; Waalewijn, Reinier A.; Bikker, Hennie; van Tintelen, J. Peter; Bhuiyan, Zahurul A.; van den Berg, Maarten P.; Wilde, Arthur A.M. (2012). “Familial Evaluation in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. 5 (4): 748–756. doi:10.1161/CIRCEP.112.970517. ISSN 1941-3149.
- ↑ Hayashi, Miyuki; Denjoy, Isabelle; Hayashi, Meiso; Extramiana, Fabrice; Maltret, Alice; Roux-Buisson, Nathalie; Lupoglazoff, Jean-Marc; Klug, Didier; Maury, Philippe; Messali, Anne; Guicheney, Pascale; Leenhardt, Antoine (2012). “The role of stress test for predicting genetic mutations and future cardiac events in asymptomatic relatives of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia probands”. EP Europace. 14 (9): 1344–1351. doi:10.1093/europace/eus031. ISSN 1532-2092.
- ↑ Ackerman, M. J.; Priori, S. G.; Willems, S.; Berul, C.; Brugada, R.; Calkins, H.; Camm, A. J.; Ellinor, P. T.; Gollob, M.; Hamilton, R.; Hershberger, R. E.; Judge, D. P.; Le Marec, H.; McKenna, W. J.; Schulze-Bahr, E.; Semsarian, C.; Towbin, J. A.; Watkins, H.; Wilde, A.; Wolpert, C.; Zipes, D. P. (2011). “HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies: This document was developed as a partnership between the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)”. Europace. 13 (8): 1077–1109. doi:10.1093/europace/eur245. ISSN 1099-5129.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mounika Reddy Vadiyala, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
If left untreated, approximately 30% of patients experience at least one cardiac arrest and up to 80% one or more syncopal spells. Common complications of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia include ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death. Prognosis is generally poor, and the 10-year mortality of patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is approximately 40%.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
- The symptoms of CPVT usually develop during childhood and adolescence, in the first and second decades of life, and start with symptoms such as episodes of syncope.
- More than 30% of affected individuals will experience symptoms before the age of 10 years and the majority (60% to 80%) of the patients will have one or more symptomatic arrhythmia episodes before age 40.[1] [2] [3] [4]
- However, molecular analysis showed that there is a small group of patients who remain asymptomatic, even after exercise tests suggesting them to be having normal phenotype CPVT (mutation carriers). Some of these phenotypically normal patients with CVPT do experience syncope and sudden death.[5]
- If left untreated, CPVT is highly lethal, as approximately 30% of patients experience at least one cardiac arrest and up to 80% one or more syncopal spells.[1][2]
- The polymorphic ventricular tachycardia may self-terminate or it may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, causing sudden cardiac death.
Complications
- Common complications of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia include:
Prognosis
- Prognosis is generally poor, and the 10-year mortality of patients with CPVT is approximately 40%.[3]
- Studies show that there is a correlation between the age of the first syncope and the severity of the disease, with a worse prognosis in the case of early occurrence.[1]
- If left untreated, patients with CPVT have a mortality rate of 30% before age 40.[2][5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Leenhardt, Antoine; Lucet, Vincent; Denjoy, Isabelle; Grau, Francis; Ngoc, Dien Do; Coumel, Philippe (1995). “Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Children”. Circulation. 91 (5): 1512–1519. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.91.5.1512. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Priori, Silvia G.; Napolitano, Carlo; Memmi, Mirella; Colombi, Barbara; Drago, Fabrizio; Gasparini, Maurizio; DeSimone, Luciano; Coltorti, Fernando; Bloise, Raffaella; Keegan, Roberto; Cruz Filho, Fernando E.S.; Vignati, Gabriele; Benatar, Abraham; DeLogu, Angelica (2002). “Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Patients With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 106 (1): 69–74. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000020013.73106.D8. ISSN 0009-7322.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sumitomo, N (2003). “Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: electrocardiographic characteristics and optimal therapeutic strategies to prevent sudden death”. Heart. 89 (1): 66–70. doi:10.1136/heart.89.1.66. ISSN 0007-0769.
- ↑ Postma, A V (2005). “Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: RYR2 mutations, bradycardia, and follow up of the patients”. Journal of Medical Genetics. 42 (11): 863–870. doi:10.1136/jmg.2004.028993. ISSN 1468-6244.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hayashi, Meiso; Denjoy, Isabelle; Extramiana, Fabrice; Maltret, Alice; Buisson, Nathalie Roux; Lupoglazoff, Jean-Marc; Klug, Didier; Hayashi, Miyuki; Takatsuki, Seiji; Villain, Elisabeth; Kamblock, Joël; Messali, Anne; Guicheney, Pascale; Lunardi, Joël; Leenhardt, Antoine (2009). “Incidence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmic Events in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia”. Circulation. 119 (18): 2426–2434. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.829267. ISSN 0009-7322.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Exercise Stress Testing | Genetic Testing | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography and Ultrasound | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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