Myocarditis and ARVC/D: Variants or mimics?

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a disease characterized by fibrofatty replace- ment of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium, which is generally considered to be based on variations in desmo-somal genes. However, its pathogenes is is not completely clear since myocarditis and high-intensity athletics have both been postulated to contribute to the onset and progression of the disease pattern. We observeda 21-year-old woman who presented with fulminant lymphocytic myocarditisand subsequently fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for ARVC/D by imaging and electro cardiographic characteristics after complete resolution of left ventricular(LV) abnormalities associated with myo carditis. None of the known common mutations associated with ARVC/D were identified in this patient. This report supports the hypothesis of a common pathophysiology of ARVC/D associated with desmosomal dysfunction, which can be based on genetic predisposition or acquired injury.