Early detection of right ventricular functional abnormalities in patients with complex right premature ventricular contractions.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) premature contractions, although generally benign, may represent the first manifestation of arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy. The diagnostic and prognostic value of RV functional abnormalities evidenced by equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) with multiharmonic Fourier analysis has been validated in patients with severe RV arrhythmias suspected of being affected by arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of the same RV functional abnormalities in patients with frequent left bundle branch block pattern premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), without known heart disease, using ERNA as a screening tool. METHODS: The study included 377 consecutive patients (mean age: 40+/-15 years, males: 58%) presenting with complex PVCs. Cine mode and multiharmonic analysis were used to define global enlargement and areas of dyskinesia of both ventricles. Studies were classified as: normal, right and/or left ventricular abnormalities either localized or diffuse. RESULTS: ERNA was normal in 302 patients (80%) and evidenced RV functional abnormalities in 75 patients (20%). Patients with RV outflow tract PVCs (n=276) were affected to the same extent as patients with right or left axis PVCs. CONCLUSION: In a specific population with complex left bundle branch block pattern PVCs, RV functional abnormalities were detected by ERNA in 20% of patients. Consequently, ERNA may serve as a screening tool by selecting patients who may require a specific management.