Myotonic dystrophy type 1 and high ventricular vulnerability at the electrophysiological evaluation: ICD yes or not?

Abstract

A significant number of sudden death (SD) is observed in myotonic dystrophy (DM1) despite pacemaker implantation and some consider the ICD to be the preferential device in patients with conduction disease. According to the latest guidelines, prophylactic ICD implantation in patients with neuromuscular disorder should follow the same recommendations of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, being reasonable when pacing is needed. We here report a case of DM1 patient who underwent ICD implantation even in the absence of conduction disturbances on ECG and ventricular dysfunction/fibrosis at cardiac magnetic resonance. The occurrence of syncope, non-sustained ventricular tachycardias at 24-Holter ECG monitoring and a family history of SD resulted associated with ventricular fibrillation inducibility at electrophysiological study, favouring ICD implantation. On our advice, DM1 patient with this association of SD risk factors should be targeted for ICD implantation.