How is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia Diagnosed?

How is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia Diagnosed?

ARVD is diagnosed based your on medical history, physical exam, and tests (echocardiogram, Holter monitor, electrophysiologic testing, cardiac MRI, and/or cardiac CT scan.

• Learn more about these tests.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is recommended for the diagnosis of ARVD, as it visualizes fibro-fatty infiltration of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium. It also can show increased RV dimensions as well as wall-motion abnormalities. Unfortunately, the image quality frequently is limited due to artifact from irregular heart rhythms. For this reason, the patient may also undergo a cardiac CT scan to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of ARVD. This imaging test can detect characteristic abnormalities of the RV myocardium or the RV cavity. Unlike MRI, a CT scan can be performed if the patient has an implanted device (e.g. pacemaker, defibrillator).

The diagnosis of ARVD is confirmed if the patient has these characteristics:

• Abnormal function of the right ventricle (RV)
• Fatty or fibrous-fatty infiltrates of the right ventricle heart muscle (myocardium)
• Abnormal ECG
• Arrhythmias (supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, especially with exercise)
• Family history of ARVD