Emergency Medicine In-Training Examination (EM-ITE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic disorder characterized by replacement of myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue, leading to arrhythmias and potential sudden cardiac death. The primary clinical concern in ARVC is the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia and other serious arrhythmias.

The use of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a recommended treatment because it serves to monitor heart rhythms and deliver shocks when dangerous arrhythmias are detected. The ICD provides a life-saving option for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death associated with ARVC. This device is particularly important in individuals with a history of syncope due to arrhythmias or those who have experienced sustained ventricular tachycardia.

The other options, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not address the primary concern of arrhythmias in ARVC. Anticoagulation therapy may be used in certain thromboembolic conditions, but it does not prevent or treat the underlying arrhythmias. Surgery for valve replacement may be indicated in structural heart disease, but ARVC specifically involves the ventricular myocardium rather than valvular pathology. Physical therapy can play a role in overall patient fitness but does not address the critical need to