Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in sarcoidosis can be identified through electrocardiographic (ECG) markers, according to a recent publication in JACC Clinical Electrophysiology.
The primary outcome of the study was to identify predictors of SCA in sarcoidosis. The study also analyzed predictors of SCA in individuals less than 40 years of age and those with normal ventricular function, and temporal trends in sarcoidosis and SCA.
In 8.6% of patients, ECG markers of AV node dysfunction or bundle branch block are associated with an increased risk of SCA. This association was also discovered in individuals less than 40 years of age and with normal ventricular function.
“ECG evidence of AV nodal dysfunction or distal conduction disease should raise suspicion for cardiac involvement in patients with sarcoidosis and are associated with increased risk of SCA,” concluded the study authors. “ECG markers could help identify patients who would benefit from advanced imaging,” they continued. –Lisa Kuhns
Reference
Narasimhan B, Patel N, Ho K, et al. Incidence and predictors of sudden cardiac arrest in sarcoidosis: a nationwide analysis. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published online March 25, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jacep.2021.01.022
