catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Pronunciation: cat-uh-kol-uh-MIN-ur-jik pol-ee-MOR-fik
Also written as: CPVT — Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
An inherited arrhythmogenic disorder triggered by adrenergic stimulation, characterized by exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias.
Full Definition
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited arrhythmogenic disorder caused by mutations in genes involved in intracellular calcium handling, primarily RYR2 and CASQ2. The condition is characterized by exercise or emotion-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with structurally normal hearts and normal resting ECGs. The arrhythmias are triggered by catecholamine release and can lead to syncope or sudden cardiac death. Diagnosis often requires exercise stress testing or catecholamine infusion. Treatment includes beta-blockers, activity restriction, and ICD implantation in refractory cases.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as CPVT; emphasize the catecholamine-triggered nature of arrhythmias.
In Context
- "Exercise stress testing revealed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia at peak exercise, consistent with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia." — Exercise test interpretation
- "The patient with CPVT experienced recurrent syncope during athletic activities despite beta-blocker therapy." — Clinical follow-up note