Association of Arrhythmias in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Ibtisam Ashraf, Mercedes Maria Peck, Ruchira Maram, Alaa A. Mohamed, Diego Ochoa Crespo, Gurleen Kaur, Bilal Haider Malik
Abstract
Cardiac involvement in amyloidosis and sarcoidosis is poorly understood, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, along with conduction defects, are frequent in cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis. Atrial dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis may result in atrial fibrillation and increases the risk of stroke, making anticoagulation significant and challenging. Ventricular arrhythmia and conduction defects are more common in AL amyloidosis and cardiac sarcoidosis. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) from Purkinje fibers trigger ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac amyloidosis, while the inflammation and scarring leading to the reentrant process is the cause in cardiac sarcoidosis. The typical treatment modalities include Class II and III antiarrhythmic drugs and ablation techniques, while corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are indicated in cardiac sarcoidosis to reduce the burden of the disease and arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac death can be a manifestation of both disorders that can be prevented by the Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), although the predictive risk factors for primary prevention remain uncertain. In this review, we addressed the current understanding of the pathways involved in inducing arrhythmias in cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis-also, the complications including sudden death and stroke associated with arrhythmia in both diseases. We have discussed other preventive steps needed to minimize arrhythmias to provide symptomatic relief and palliation to patients.