Pulmonary embolism and ventricular tachycardia as the first symptoms of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in a 71-year-old woman

• Published in: Folia cardiologica Vol. 20; no. 1
• Main Authors: Alexander Suchodolski, Aleksandra Spyra, Aleksandra Sierpińska, Jan Głowacki, Zuzanna Jackowska, Mariola Szulik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Via Medica 01.06.2025
• Subjects: arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy; elderly; pulmonary embolism; ventricular tachycardia
• ISSN: 2353-7752; 2353-7760
• DOI: 10.5603/fc.103400

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetically predisposed form of cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of ARVC involves structural and functional changes in the myocardium, particularly in the right ventricle, leading to its dysfunction. Consequently, individuals with ARVC are more susceptible to thromboembolic complications and arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. Although the first symptoms of this cardiomyopathy usually occur during adolescence, there are cases of diagnosis in the elderly. Comprehensive evaluation in patients with ventricular tachycardia or thromboembolic events, regardless of age, is necessary. This case report presents a patient with late-onset ARVC who initially developed episodes of ventricular tachycardia and pulmonary embolism.