Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy - Feline Cardiomyopathies

Overview

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy in cats and is more commonly seen in humans and dogs. ARVC is characterised by fibrofatty infiltration replacement of cardiomyocytes predominantly in the right ventricle and right atrium; this may also effect the left ventricle to a lesser degree in some cases. Pathophysiological sequelae include severe right ventricular myocardial failure, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.

Aetiology

Little is known about he cause of ARVC in cats. In humans and Boxer dogs, ARVC is caused by mutations in various components of the desmosome (necessary for cell-cell adhesion). The resultant loss of mechanical coupling predisposes to arrhythmias.