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Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Sports Activity

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Abstract

Arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetically determined heart disease characterized by progressive myocyte death and substitution by fibrofatty tissue. Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias may occur during the course of the disease and are distinctively triggered by sports activity: for this reason, ARVC is one of the leading causes of sudden death in the athlete. Early identification of affected athletes by preparticipation screening in the pre-symptomatic phase is essential, but differential diagnosis with the athlete’s heart may be challenging. Variants with predominant involvement of the left ventricle are difficult to diagnose unless cardiac magnetic resonance is performed. Athletes with overt ARVC or asymptomatic carriers of pathological gene mutations, including those with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, should refrain from competitive sports, while a moderate-intensity recreational physical activity appears safe.

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Abbreviations

ARVC:

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

CMR:

Cardiac magnetic resonance

ECG:

Electrocardiographic

ICD:

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

LGE:

Late gadolinium enhancement

LV:

Left ventricular

PVBs:

Premature ventricular beats

RV:

Right ventricular

SD:

Sudden death

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy

    Alessandro Zorzi, Alberto Cipriani, Giulia Mattesi, Riccardo Vio, Natascia Bettella & Domenico Corrado

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  1. Alessandro Zorzi
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  2. Alberto Cipriani
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  3. Giulia Mattesi
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  4. Riccardo Vio
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  6. Domenico Corrado
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Correspondence to Domenico Corrado.

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Zorzi, A., Cipriani, A., Mattesi, G. et al. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Sports Activity. J. of Cardiovasc. Trans. Res. 13, 274–283 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-020-09995-2

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