Risk Stratification in Arrhythmic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Without Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is risk stratification of patients with arrhythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

BACKGROUND: There is a need to identify those who need an automatic implantable defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden death.

METHODS: This is an analysis of 88 patients with ARVC from three centers who were not treated with an ICD.

RESULTS: Risk factors for subsequent arrhythmic deaths were pre-enrollment sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and decreased left ventricular function.

CONCLUSION: These factors serve as proposed guidelines for implantation of an ICD in patients with ARVC to prevent sudden death.