Premature Ventricular Complex–Induced Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs)can cause an often reversible form of cardiomyopathy. The mechanism for the development of premature ventricular complex–induced cardiomyopathy (PIC)continues to be investigated, and animal models as well as human clinical trials suggest ventricular dyssynchrony to be an important component. In addition to a high PVC burden, this review will detail other risk factors associated with the development of PIC. PVCs can be a marker for the presence of other underlying disease and a thorough work-up, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with delayed contrast enhancement, needs to be considered to rule out the presence of structural heart disease. Management of PIC can involve catheter ablation or pharmacotherapy. Multicenter studies have shown a high success rate paired with a low complication rate with catheter ablation, and hence catheter ablation has emerged as the preferred therapeutic option for most patients with PIC. Advances in ablation strategy and technology have enhanced our ability to address certain challenging PVC locations. Important challenges that remain include understanding the coexistence of PIC with other forms of cardiomyopathy, whether there is an associated risk of sudden cardiac death, and the long-term effects on cardiac substrate of exposure to frequent PVCs.