Key result
Loop recorder unmasks Epsilon waves to aid ARVD diagnosis following myocarditis.
Why the study?
The definition and diagnostic utility of the Epsilon wave in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) with myocarditis require clarification and updating.
Case Report (n=1)
The Epsilon wave can be observed on an electronic loop recorder and serves as a diagnostic aid for ARVD, defined as an electric signal after the QRS complex in right precordial leads.
May aid ARVD diagnosis via loop recorder epsilon waves in myocarditis; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
A young man presented with a history of myocarditis with palpitations and dizziness. He had implantation of a loop recorder that showed repetitive short episodes of VT. In addition, there were fragmented potentials immediately following the large and sharp electrograms (EGMs) before as well as after episodes of VT suggesting an Epsilon wave. This signal can be observed in multiple cardiac conditions including coronary artery disease. It was originally recorded on the epicardium as well as on the endocardium. However, in ARVD it can be defined as an electric signal observed after the end of the QRS complex in the right as opposed to the left precordial leads (difference ≥ 25 ms). It can also be an aid to the diagnosis of patients with ARVD who have other signs or symptoms suggesting ARVD including episodes of myocarditis. This potential consists of a slurring at the end of the QRS complex or an independent potential after the return to the isoelectric line. It can be better observed by increasing amplification of the ECG tracing as well as double speed using the Fontaine lead system. Epsilon wave too small to be recorded on the standard ECG can be extracted by Signal Averaging ECG SAECG).
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Fontaine et al. (2016) conducted a case report in Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia with myocarditis (n=1). Loop recorder implantation was evaluated on Detection of Epsilon wave. An implanted loop recorder in a young man with myocarditis revealed Epsilon waves, highlighting their diagnostic value in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
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